The more we hear or see an idea, the more we tend to accept it as truth. Social media messages about body size and eating, shared by influencers and liked by their followers, can be especially harmful if you’re navigating recovery from an eating disorder.
Rogers Behavioral Health’s Cindy Dexter, RD, CD, registered dietitian specializing in OCD and Anxiety residential care for adults, shares ways to take control of the content you consume to reduce the risk of relapse.
Can social media trigger eating disorder setbacks or relapses?
Yes, social media can be a trigger if you’re in recovery from an eating disorder.
Take the new weight loss plan that keeps showing up on your feed right after the holidays. How many can say they didn’t eat more than usual in December? Repeated messages can add to the guilt you’re already feeling.
Now imagine if you have a history of an eating disorder and you’re seeing a steady stream of negative body image content, or an influencer telling followers to eat this and not that. It’s a real-world test as you’re trying to avoid eating disorder triggers.
Social media sites that promote controlling body weight are harmful if you’ve restored weight after returning to a regular eating pattern. Recovery can be fragile, especially if you’re still working toward full weight restoration or body acceptance. If you’re uncomfortable with a higher weight, you may find these sites “validating” your preoccupation with body weight after discharge. Once you choose to engage with this content by prioritizing weight over well-being, the risk of relapse increases.
What types of social media content can be harmful if you’re recovering from an eating disorder?
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook host millions of images and videos that idealize thinness.
Ways social media can commonly impact recovery include:
Social media is known to be addictive. Algorithms track views, clicks, and comments to generate content tailored to a viewer’s interests.
Celebrity influencer videos become role models to young viewers seeking diet and exercise advice.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, makes it harder to determine if content is real or not. Image filters that come preloaded on newer smartphones make it easy to improve the look of anyone’s photo before publishing.
Cyberbullying is detrimental to mental health and, in some cases, physical safety. Individuals who view themselves as not having social support may turn to virtual reality for emotional needs, only to become victims of abuse.
Pro-eating disorder websites can be found without actively searching, It’s essential to monitor internet use for viewers under 18.
How do comparison culture and body-focused trends impact body image when recovering from an eating disorder?
The phrase “comparison is the thief of joy” couldn’t ring truer given our ability to consume content faster than ever before. The diet industry uses social media to promote weight loss before-and-after comparisons and the belief that our bodies should be smaller for a better life. Additionally, it promotes the lie that people should eat in ways to control their body weight.
Continuous exposure to dieting or pro-eating disorder websites can influence a lifetime of body image dissatisfaction and increase the risk of eating disorders in children, teens, and young adults.
Comparison culture undermines body acceptance, inclusivity, and the “all foods fit” approach, which are the cornerstones of recovery from an eating disorder.
Can social media support eating disorder recovery?
Receiving effective support when recovering from an eating disorder over social media can be tricky. It’s important to understand how further exposure to unhealthy body image and beauty standards could fuel an eating disorder.
It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to avoid using the internet completely when they seek answers. For people with a history of eating disorders, being more mindful of what you’re searching online and how it could potentially validate your ED should always be a consideration.
When seeking support, online research should be:
• Aimed at content based on the latest scientific evidence
• Overseen by experts in eating disorders/mental health
• Clear about who the authors are, with an “About Us” page
Exercise caution on influencer websites. Though these sites can provide comfort and community, there’s a risk of comparison or harmful misinformation. Everyone’s recovery journey is different. No one should expect the same results. Medical advice should only be sought from individuals with the proper credentials and experience.
What boundaries or habits around social media can help protect long-term eating disorder recovery?
Five ways to help protect your long-term recovery include:
1. Increase your awareness of harmful diet culture-related content that promotes unrealistic eating and exercise habits in the name of “health.”
2. Make no assumptions, criticize everything, and ask questions.
3. Understand that a majority of influencers are interested in clicks and monetization, not their viewer’s health. ALWAYS research their credibility.
4. Follow advice from eating disorder organization websites that are certified for the most accurate, scientifically based, and up-to-date information. Better yet, make an appointment with a mental health provider.
5. Monitor your mood while scrolling. Any strong feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or other similar emotions are a good sign that it’s time to take a break.
If you have a history of eating disorders, you’re more vulnerable to negative body image content. It has less power when you understand how social media affects you. Having a solid plan when using social media, and staying connected to support outside of social media, can help reduce the risk of relapse.
Rogers offers eating disorder treatment
Rogers offers hope and healing from eating disorders for children, teens, and adults, providing effective and compassionate care.
Call 833-308-5887 for a free, confidential screening. Let us help you take your first step toward healing.
Social media can expose people in recovery to diet culture, body comparison, and unrealistic beauty standards that may trigger eating disorder thoughts and increase the risk of setbacks or relapse.
Social media algorithms repeatedly show similar content based on your activity. If you engage with weight loss, dieting, or body-focused posts, you’re more likely to see additional content that can reinforce unhealthy beliefs and behaviors.
Content that promotes controlling body weight, idealizes thinness, encourages dieting or restrictive eating, or contributes to negative body image can be harmful during recovery. Pro-eating disorder websites and misinformation about eating and exercise can also put recovery at risk.
Become aware of harmful diet culture content, question the information you see online, and research the credibility of influencers before following their advice. Choose evidence-based information from reputable eating disorder organizations and qualified mental health professionals. It can also help to monitor how you feel while scrolling and take a break if social media causes anxiety, depression, anger, or other strong emotions.
