Instagram and eating disorders
The relationship between social media and eating disorders is complex and has become an increasingly prevalent topic among researchers. Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms and has been linked to negative self-perception among its users. While social media alone typically does not lead to the development of an eating disorder, it can be a contributing factor for those who may be susceptible to disordered eating behaviors, body image issues, or a history of mental health problems.
Have you ever noticed yourself plagued by self-doubt while you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed? If you have, you’re not alone. A 2017 study by researchers at the University of Technology Sydney revealed that Instagram users reported more body surveillance than non-Instagram users. In addition, following celebrities and “health and fitness” accounts on Instagram had a significant effect on Instagram users’ body image and drive towards thinness. This drive towards a thin, highly-edited body ideal can have a significant effect on young people’s health — 49% of individuals from a sample of Instagram users who followed health food accounts displayed symptoms of Orthorexia Nervosa.
Why does Instagram have such a negative effect on our body image? Although more research still needs to be done on the topic, there are some theories that images on Instagram have become the new standard that we compare our bodies to. Comparing ourselves to this standard leads us to feel worse about ourselves and about our bodies. The more we’re exposed to these images on Instagram and other social media platforms, the stronger this cycle of low body image becomes.
Here are some ways to protect yourself from some of the more disordered sides of Instagram:
Unfollow any accounts that leave you doubting yourself
if you notice yourself consistently feeling down after looking at certain accounts, go ahead and unfollow them. Even if the account belongs to a loved one, your mental health comes first!
Follow (and engage with!) body positive accounts
Instagram’s algorithms are designed to show you posts and stories that are similar to the ones that you already engage with. The more body-positive accounts you follow and like/comment on, the more body-positive content Instagram will prioritize in your feed.
Remind yourself that Instagram isn’t reality
Although many accounts try to come off as down-to-earth, most of the content that we see is highly edited and curated. People (especially influencers) typically post themselves at their best- we don’t see the more difficult moments when they struggle like the rest of us. By reminding yourself that Instagram is only a tiny glimpse into the poster’s full, messy life, it might be easier to look at their posts in context.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), we offer nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support and outpatient groups like our Body Image Group to assist those seeking help for food concerns.
This post was written by BALANCE Theapy Intern, Rebekah Paster (she/her).
Rebekah is a second-year MSW student at the Columbia School of Social Work, where she specializes in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice. She is passionate about eating disorder recovery and plans to pursue a career in eating disorder treatment after graduation. Outside of school, Rebekah enjoys cooking and mindful movement.
