How Social Media Can Affect Body Image: Understanding Exposure to Pro-Eating Disorder Content

"Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through social media and suddenly feeling worse about your body? You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault. Let’s talk about how certain content online can secretly shape the way you see yourself — and what you can do to take back your power."

In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to imagine life without social media. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and other platforms allow teens and adolescents to connect, share, and learn in amazing ways. But with all the good also comes a real concern: exposure to harmful content, especially content that promotes eating disorders.

If you or someone you know has ever scrolled past images or videos glamorizing extreme thinness, strict dieting, or "tips" for dangerous eating behaviors, you are not alone. It's important to talk about how these messages can affect mental health—and more importantly, how to protect yourself and your well-being.

What Is Pro-Eating Disorder Content?

Pro-eating disorder (or “pro-ED”) content refers to posts, videos, or communities that encourage, promote, or normalize disordered eating behaviors. This can include:

• "Thinspiration" or "fitspiration" images that idolize very thin or hyper-fit bodies

• Posts sharing harmful tips on how to eat less or hide disordered eating

• Communities that romanticize eating disorders as a "lifestyle" rather than a serious mental health condition

Sadly, this type of content is easier to find than many people realize. Some posts are openly pro-ED, while others are more subtle, slipping under hashtags like #bodygoals or #healthylifestyle.

How Exposure Affects Teens and Adolescents

Research consistently shows that social media use is linked to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and negative mental health outcomes among young people.

A major review published in Current Opinion in Psychology (Rodgers et al., 2020) found that social media exposure, especially appearance-focused content, increases the risk of internalizing thin ideals and body dissatisfaction, both of which are strong risk factors for the development of eating disorders.

Another study (Fardouly et al., 2015) found that even brief exposure to idealized images can make teens feel worse about their own bodies within minutes.

The truth is: during adolescence, the brain is still developing the skills to critically evaluate information. This means social media can have an even stronger emotional impact—both positive and negative—during this important time of growth.

Why Does This Happen?

Social media is uniquely powerful because of:

• Comparison Culture: Platforms often highlight only the "best" parts of people's lives or appearances, leading to constant comparisons.

• Algorithms: Social media sites often show more of what you interact with—meaning one click on a fitness or diet post can lead to a flood of similar (and sometimes extreme) content.

• Peer Influence: Seeing friends or influencers promote certain body types or diet behaviors can make them seem more "normal" or even aspirational.

Understanding these forces can help you realize: It's not you. It's the system.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Mental Health

First, know that it's okay to love social media while also being mindful about how you use it. Here are some evidence-based ways to keep your relationship with social media healthy:

1. Curate Your Feed

Follow accounts that make you feel empowered, inspired, and happy—whether that’s art, music, mental health, or body-positive creators. Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.

Studies show that exposure to body-positive content (messages that celebrate body diversity) can actually improve mood and body satisfaction (Cohen et al., 2019).

2. Practice Critical Thinking

Ask questions like:

• Who created this post, and why?

• Is this a realistic or healthy portrayal of life?

• How does this make me feel?

Building media literacy is a skill that strengthens over time—and it gives you the power to see through harmful messages.

3. Talk About It

If you ever feel overwhelmed, isolated, or pressured by what you see online, reach out to someone you trust—a parent, counselor, or friend. You are never alone, and talking about it can take a lot of weight off your shoulders.

4. Take Breaks

It's okay to step away from social media sometimes. Even short breaks can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help you reconnect with what’s real and meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Your body is not a trend. Neither is your worth.

Social media can be a place for connection, creativity, and support—but it’s important to stay mindful of the messages you’re absorbing. You have the right to protect your mental health and nurture a positive relationship with your body, just as it is.

If you're struggling or feeling triggered, know that help is available. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

You deserve to live a life full of joy, health, and self-acceptance—both online and off.

References:

• Rodgers, R. F., Donovan, E., Cousineau, T., Yates, K., McGowan, K., Cook, E., & Lukowicz, M. (2020). Instagram use and young women's body image concerns and self-objectification: Testing mediational pathways. Current Opinion in Psychology, 36, 7–13.

• Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38–45.

• Cohen, R., Newton-John, T., & Slater, A. (2019). The relationship between Facebook and Instagram appearance-focused activities and body image concerns in young women. Body Image, 29, 65–74.