From Filters to Fads
From Filters to Fads: How Social Media Shapes our Relationship with Food and Body Image
Social media is everywhere these days - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook - so much so that it’s hard to imagine life without it. It’s something many of us start engaging with at a younger age, and it shapes how we communicate, consume content, and view the world around us. While social media definitely has its perks, like helping us stay connected, it also has a tricky side. It influences how we see ourselves, our bodies, and others in ways that aren’t always healthy for us mentally or physically. With endless curated images and trends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to unrealistic standards. In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I want to take a closer look at how social media affects our relationship with food and body image, and how we can engage with it more mindfully to protect our mental health.
Filters and Body Image Distortion
What started out as harmless fun with dog filters and goofy face distortions has evolved into something more troubling. Today, social media features filters that promote an almost unattainable ideal of “perfection” - smooth skin, no blemishes, smaller waists. These standards don’t reflect reality, yet they’ve become the new norm. We’ve been conditioned to compare ourselves to these edited images, whether it’s comparing our unfiltered selves to others or even to our own edited photos. The more we’re exposed to flawless, filtered images, the greater the disconnect between how we look and what we see online. If this gap goes unaddressed, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, distress, and even contribute to mental health issues.
Social Media’s Role in Eating Disorders
If you’ve been scrolling through your feed, you’ve probably encountered wellness trends, food fads, and diet culture. These topics are so widespread that it’s no surprise social media has a major influence on how we approach eating and body image. One study found that 50% of participants adjusted their diets based on what they saw online. Social media platforms often promote restrictive eating habits and excessive exercise, sometimes with little regard for the harmful impact these behaviors can have. Influencers endorsing detox teas or weight loss medications further normalize these practices, presenting them as quick fixes or even “healthy” solutions. For individuals already struggling with eating disorders - or those who are more susceptible to developing them - these images and messages can be triggering. In fact, people who spend over three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to develop eating disorders compared to those who spend less time online.
The Positive Side: Connection and Inclusivity
It’s not all bad, though. Social media can also offer some real benefits, particularly for those in the eating disorder community. It provides a unique sense of connection and support that might be harder to find offline. You can access a wealth of resources anonymously, and many of these resources are free and easily accessible. Whether it’s information on recovery, treatment options, or coping strategies, social media makes it possible to find helpful content at the touch of a button. Plus, positive role models and inclusive spaces can be incredibly supportive for people navigating body image struggles or eating disorders. Hearing stories of recovery and seeing diverse body types celebrated can have a powerful and healing effect.
Making Social Media Work for You
So, how can you engage with social media in a way that doesn’t negatively affect your mental health? Here are a few tips:
Set limits on your screen time: I recommend using apps to track and manage how much time you spend online, or simply monitor it yourself. One of my favorite apps is called ScreenZen (not sponsored!) - you can manage how many times a day you’re able to open social media apps, while setting time limits for once you are utilizing the app.
Use the algorithm to your advantage: Follow accounts and content that inspire you and support your well-being. If something triggering or unhelpful pops up in your feed, let the app know you’re not interested.
Be mindful of who you’re following: Make sure the advice you’re getting - whether it’s on food, wellness, or mental health - is coming from qualified professionals. If you see something online that you aren’t sure to be true, double check with a trusted individual or professional!
And remember, if you find it hard to manage your relationship with social media, reaching out us here at Health in Tandem can be helpful! With some effort, most of us can learn to use social media in a way that works for us - and even find some positive benefits along the way.
Morgan currently has availability to work with clients wanting to improve their relationship with food and body image!
Reference: https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/social-media-eating-disorders