How psychologists can understand and use social media in the battle against eating disorders

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders

scholarly journals Prevalence of health misinformation in social media: a systematic review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Suarez-Lledo ◽  
Javier Alvarez-Galvez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Medical Treatments ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Social Media Platforms

BACKGROUND The propagation of health misinformation through social media has become a major public health concern over the last two decades. Although today there is broad agreement among researchers, health professionals, and policy makers on the need to control and combat health misinformation, the magnitude of this problem is still unknown. Consequently, before adopting the necessary measures for the adequate control of health misinformation in social media, it is fundamental to discover both the most prevalent health topics and the social media platforms from which these topics are initially framed and subsequently disseminated. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to identify the main health misinformation topics and their prevalence on different social media platforms, focusing on methodological quality and the diverse solutions that are being implemented to address this public health concern. METHODS This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and the Web of Science for articles published in English before March 2019 with a particular focus on studying health misinformation in social media. We defined health misinformation as a health-related claim based on anecdotal evidence, false, or misleading due to the lack of existing scientific knowledge. The criteria for inclusion were: 1) articles that focused on health misinformation in social media, including those in which the authors discussed the consequences or purposes of health misinformation; and 2) studies that described empirical findings regarding the measurement of health misinformation in these platforms. RESULTS A total of 69 studies were identified as eligible, covering a wide range of health topics and social media platforms. The topics were articulated around six principal categories: vaccines (32%), drugs or smoking (22%), non-communicable disease (19%), pandemics (10%), eating disorders (9%), and medical treatments (7%). Studies were mainly based on five methodological approaches: Social Network Analysis (28%), Evaluating Content (26%), Evaluating Quality (24%), Content/Text analysis (16%) and Sentiment Analysis (6%). Health misinformation proved to be the most more prevalent in studies related to smoking products and drugs such as opioids or marijuana. Posts with misinformation reached 87% in some studies focused in smoking products. Health misinformation about vaccines was also very common (43%), but studies reported different levels of misinformation depending on the different vaccines, with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine being the most affected. Secondly, health misinformation related to diets or pro eating disorders (pro-ED) arguments were moderate in comparison to the aforementioned topics (36%). Studies focused on diseases (i.e. non-communicable diseases and pandemics) also reported moderate misinformation rates (40%), especially in the case of cancer. Finally, the lowest levels of health misinformation were related to medical treatments (30%). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of health misinformation was most common on Twitter and on issues related to smoking products and drugs. However, misinformation is also high on major public health issues such as vaccines and diseases. Our study offers a comprehensive characterization of the dominant health misinformation topics and a comprehensive description of their prevalence in different social media platforms, which can guide future studies and help in the development of evidence-based digital policy actions plans. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea in Adolescent girls as a Result of Stress-Related Conditions in Covid-19 Pandemic Situation

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Restricted Movement ◽  
Hormonal Imbalance

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is a form of anovulation due to the suppression of HypothalamicPituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis, not related to identifiable organic cause. FHA is a state of hormonal imbalance related to stress, exercising too much or consuming too few calories. In the unprecedented Covid-I9 Pandemic, there is an upsurge of FHA in adolescent girls. Being confined to ‘stay at home’, the phobia of gaining weight due to restricted movement is often triggering eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa(AN);indulging in indoor overexercise, stress associated with routine change, exposure and preoccupations with social media in the changed scenario are causing a disruption of HPO axis manifesting as FHA. But FHA has serious short-term and longterm effects on the physical and mental health of the adolescent individuals. The present article aims at reviewing the causes, effects, evaluation and management of FHA in the present scenario. Adolescent girls with FHA should be carefully diagnosed and properly managed to prevent both short-term and long-term deleterious effects with appropriate and timely intervention.

scholarly journals Social networks and eating disorders during the Covid-19 pandemic

Open Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1170-1174
Author(s):  
Concetta M. Vaccaro ◽  
Giulia Guarino ◽  
Dario Conte ◽  
Emanuela Ferrara ◽  
Laura Dalla Ragione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
High Increase ◽  
Adolescent Population ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Social ◽  
First Results ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the increase both in the use of the Internet and social media and in Google searches regarding eating disorders (ED) in Italy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our aim is also to verify the possible impact of such an increase on ED, since patients treated for ED by the National Health Service (NHS) have increased in the first 6 months of 2020 as well. Method We used data from Wearesocial surveys on Internet users in the first 6 months of 2020 and the Google searches related to the query of “food disorders” and “body shaming.” The first results of a project of the Italian Ministry of Health on ED have been considered too. Results The social media users in July 2020 increased to 60% of the Italian population; a tendential increase in Google searches on these issues has emerged. Finally, new patients of NHS with ED showed a high increase in the first 6 months of 2020 (+40.9%). Conclusion Considering the contents diffused on the Internet, it is fundamental to watch over net usage in the adolescent population and those with ED, because massive access to social media can be considered almost as a risk factor.

scholarly journals Book Review of Frisbie's A Therapist’s Guide to Treating Eating Disorders in a Social Media Age.

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 410-412
Author(s):  
Hillary Sharpe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Body Shame ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Social Landscape ◽  
Clinical Problems

Eating disorders and other “sub-clinical” problems such as disordered eating and body shame/dissatisfaction grow more prevalent in our society. This is particularly true since the advent of COVID-19 changed our social landscape, leading to increases in isolation and anxiety and in the use of technology to work, to connect, and to live. Social media in this age present both barriers and possibilities for mental health and identity development, particularly for individuals who suffer from eating disorders and related problems. In her seminal first book, Shauna Frisbie deftly weaves through each of these topics, creating a tapestry for both novice and expert clinicians to view and understand how social media consumption can be assessed, dismantled, and harnessed to help clients who struggle with disordered eating. Guided by the central topics of selfhood and identity development and by the techniques of phototherapy, Dr. Frisbie creates a compelling story that draws on both research and case studies from her practice.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Body Image Satisfaction Among Palestinian University Female Students, Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Abu Alwafa ◽  
Manal Badrasawi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Image ◽  
University Students ◽  
Body Satisfaction ◽  
Social Pressure ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Body Image Satisfaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder are linked to poor body image. People with these diseases commonly lack the ability to objectively assess body shape, size, or attractiveness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body image, eating disorders, lifestyle, social pressure, and social media engagements in female university students in Palestine. Method: A sample of 905 female undergraduate students from Palestinian universities was included in the study. Arabic validated Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2) was used to measure body satisfaction. Early screening of eating disorders was conducted using the Arabic validated A-SCOFF tool. One-way ANOVA, independent t-test, Chi-square, Spearman rho correlation test, and simple linear regression tests were used to evaluate the relationships between study variables. Results The sample had a high level of body image satisfaction, with a mean score of 4.22 ± 0.74. It was found that eating disorders (p < .001), higher BMI (p < .001), following models or celebrities on social media (p < .01), following models or celebrities nutritional advice (p < .05), family and friends pressure (p < .001), dieting (p < .001), and daily phone hours (p < .01) were associated with lower body satisfaction. While physical activity (p < .05) was associated with higher body satisfaction. Conclusion Body image among female university students is influenced by lifestyle, social pressure, and social media. To promote awareness about the impact of these variables on body dissatisfaction, which can lead to eating disorders, educational and supporting programs must be undertaken.

scholarly journals Digital pruning: Agency and social media use as a personal political project among female weightlifters in recovery from eating disorders

2020 ◽  
pp. 146144482092650
Author(s):  
Hester Hockin-Boyers ◽  
Stacey Pope ◽  
Kimberly Jamie
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
The Past ◽  
Political Project ◽  
Depth Interviews

In the past decade, a wealth of research has focused on women and social media. Typically assembled according to the logic of ‘risk’ and ‘exposure’, this extensive work tends to operate within a negative paradigm whereby women’s engagement with the digital produces harmful outcomes for wellbeing. This article makes a novel contribution to this literature by tracing the ways in which women who are in recovery from eating disorders and engaged in weightlifting strategically navigate their social media ‘worlds’ and give meaning to this process. Our data draw on 19 in-depth interviews and our findings examine 2 key themes. First, we challenge the negative paradigm that frames women’s social media use and demonstrate how the digital can support positive wellbeing for women in recovery. Second, we introduce the concept of ‘digital pruning’, a personal political project framed within the language of self-care, which involves unfollowing unhelpful or triggering content.

scholarly journals Social Media Use and Body Image Disorders: Association between Frequency of Comparing One’s Own Physical Appearance to That of People Being Followed on Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2880
Author(s):  
Barbara Jiotsa ◽  
Benjamin Naccache ◽  
Mélanie Duval ◽  
Bruno Rocher ◽  
Marie Grall-Bronnec
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
General Population ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Body Image Disorders ◽  
Teenagers And Young Adults

(1) Summary: Many studies have evaluated the association between traditional media exposure and the presence of body dissatisfaction and body image disorders. The last decade has borne witness to the rise of social media, predominantly used by teenagers and young adults. This study’s main objective was to investigate the association between how often one compares their physical appearance to that of the people they follow on social media, and one’s body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. (2) Method: A sample composed of 1331 subjects aged 15 to 35 (mean age = 24.2), including 1138 subjects recruited from the general population and 193 patients suffering from eating disorders, completed an online questionnaire assessing social media use (followed accounts, selfies posted, image comparison frequency). This questionnaire incorporated two items originating from the Eating Disorder Inventory Scale (Body Dissatisfaction: EDI-BD and Drive for Thinness: EDI-DT). (3) Results: We found an association between the frequency of comparing one’s own physical appearance to that of people followed on social media and body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Interestingly, the level of education was a confounding factor in this relationship, while BMI was not. (4) Discussion: The widespread use of social media in teenagers and young adults could increase body dissatisfaction as well as their drive for thinness, therefore rendering them more vulnerable to eating disorders. We should consequently take this social evolution into account, including it in general population prevention programs and in patients’ specific treatment plans.

scholarly journals We grow by Retweeting and Following: Examining the Pro-Eating Disorders community on Twitter via #Proana (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suku SUKUNESAN
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Reciprocal Effect ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Twitter Users ◽  
Over Time

BACKGROUND There is increasing concern around communities which promote eating disorders (Pro-ED) on social media sites through messages and images which encourage dangerous weight control behaviours. These communities share group identity formed through interactions between members and can involve the exchange of ‘tips’, restrictive dieting plans, extreme exercise plans and motivating imagery of thin bodies. Unlike Instagram, Facebook or Tumblr, the absence of adequate policy to moderate Pro-ED content on Twitter presents a unique space Pro-ED community to freely communicate. While recent research have identified terms, themes and common lexicon used within the Pro-ED online community very few have been longitudinal. It is important to focus upon the engagement of Pro-ED online communities over time to further understand how members interact and stay connected, which is currently lacking. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore beyond the common messages of Pro-ED on Twitter to understand how Pro-ED communities get traction over time by using the hashtag considered to symbolise the Pro-ED movement, #proana. Our focus was to collect longitudinal data to gain further understanding on the engagement of Pro-ED communities on Twitter. METHODS Descriptive statistics were used to identify the preferred tweeting style of Twitter users (either as mentioning another user in a tweet, or as an individual tweet to oneself, commonly referred to as ‘self-directed’) as well as their most frequently used hashtag, in addition to #proana. A series of Mann Whitney U tests were then conducted to compare preferred posting style across number of followed, followers, tweets and favourites. This was followed by Linear models using a forward step-wise approach, were applied for Pro-ED Twitter users to examine the factors associated with their number of followers. RESULTS This study consisted of 11,620 Pro-ED Twitter accounts who posted using the hashtag #proana between September 2015 and July 2018. These profiles then underwent before a two-step inclusion / exclusion criteria screen to reach the final sample of 967 profiles. Over 90% (10,484) of the profiles were found to have less than 6 tweets within the 34 months period. Most of the users were identified as preferring a mentioning style of tweeting (74.3%) over self-directed styles (25.7%). Further, #proana and #thinspo were used interchangeably to propagate shared themes and there was a reciprocal effect between followers and followed. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis showed that the number of accounts followed and number of Pro-ED tweets posted were significant predictors for the number of followers a user compared to likes. Our results could potentially be useful to social media platforms to understand which features could help or otherwise in curtailing spread of ED messages and activity. Our findings also show that Pro-ED communities are transient in nature engaging in superficial discussion threads but resilient, emulating cybersectarian behaviour.

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