The Role of Social Media in Eating Disorders: Unpacking the Influence of Online Culture By Elisha

1. The Good, the Bad, and the Filtered: How Social Media Shapes our View of Ourselves

The Filtered Reality

We all know the perfect edited photos we scroll through on Instagram, right? Filters,

edited bodies, and flawless selfies flood our feeds, but these images are not always

real, and while posting selfies with edits and filters can give us a temporary boost in

self-esteem, it can also create unrealistic expectations.

Social media can increase anxiety, lower self-esteem, and even contribute to body

dissatisfaction. When we rely on edited photos to feel good about ourselves, it might

offer a short-term confidence boost, but in the long run, it can lead to negative self-

comparisons and are a distorted view of what is “beautiful” or “acceptable.”

The next time you scroll through Instagram, ask yourself – Is this picture a true

representation of reality? Remind yourself that social media is a highlight reel, not

the full picture of someone’s life. Embrace the unfiltered version of you.

2. The Pressure of “Ideal” Bodies: Is Social Media Setting Unrealistic Expectations?

Social media is full of images promoting what many consider the “ideal” body –

ripped abs, toned legs, and tiny waists. While some of these posts are intended to

motivate and inspire people to life healthier lives, they can also create a sense of

pressure to look a certain way. This pressure can lead to unhealthy dieting, extreme

workouts, and body dissatisfaction.

What you see online might not reflect the reality of health or wellness. Sometimes

these “inspirational” posts emphasize appearance over overall well-being, which can

fuel unhealthy actions rather than encouraging self-care

Have you ever felt the pressure to look a certain way after scrolling through fitness

or beauty posts? How does it make you feel about your own body?

3. The Influence of “Influencers” on Body Image

When discussing social media and eating disorders, its impossible to ignore the

influence of online personalities and influencers. Many influencers with large

followings promote dieting, weight loss, and “perfect” body types. These influences

often unintentionally spread unrealistic standards, contributing to body

dissatisfaction. Although there are influencers, even with the best intentions, they

can unknowingly promote diet culture, encouraging follower to adopt unhealthy

behaviours to look a certain way.

What can we do about this? Unfollow accounts that leave you feeling worse about

yourself. Instead, follow those that focus on body positivity, self-care, and mental

health. It’s okay to customize your feed to help make you feel good about yourself.

4. Body Positivity vs. Unrealistic Standards: The Fine Line

Social media has sparked movements like Body Positivity, encouraging self-love and

acceptance of all body types. However, it can also promote unrealistic beauty

standards that reinforce harmful ideals, sometimes contributing to feelings of

inadequacy. The challenge in differentiating between content that empowers and

content that pressures us to fit into a limited or unrealistic expectation of beauty.

Did you know that certain content, even when well-intentioned, can unintentionally

reinforce the idea that only certain body types are worthy of love and respect? It’s

important to seek content that celebrates diverse bodies and promotes self-

acceptance for who we truly are.

5. Comparison: Social Media vs. Reality

Everyone does it – scrolling through posts and comparing ourselves to others. But

this constant comparison can really impact our mental health and self-esteem,

especially when it comes to body image and dieting. When we measure ourselves

against imagined versions of other people’s lives, it can create a lot of pressure.

Remember to check in with yourself: social media shows the best moments, but

behind the scenes, everyone has their struggles. It’s okay to embrace your own

journey and not compare it to someone else’s highlight reel.

6. Social Media Used for Good: Positive Accounts and Self-Care

Not all social media content is bad! For instance, there’s a growing movement

towards body positivity, mental health awareness, and self-care. By following

accounts that promote diversity, body acceptance, and mental wellness, you can

make your social media a place of empowerment.

How can you do this? Follow accounts that promote positive messages about self-

care, mental health, and diverse body types. Set boundaries with yourself around

your social media use so it is supporting you and not dragging you down.

7. How to Protect Your Mental Health on Social Media

Now is the time to take control of your social media experience. Here are some

simple ways to make your feed for you:

• Customize your feed – follow accounts that make you feel good. Wellness

focused, well-balanced meal ideas, supportive content, and body-positivity

• Limit your time online – if social media is starting to feel overwhelming, try limiting

your time on there and reflecting on how you feel during this time

• Engage mindfully – instead of mindlessly scrolling, pause, and notice how certain

posts make you feel, practice self-compassion if you start feeling bad about

yourself

An Activity to Try:

Take a minute to reflect. How does your social media use impact your mood? What

positive changes can you use to make a more uplifting online experience for yourself?

Find Empowerment

Social media is a powerful tool for many, but it can have a major impact on body image

and self-esteem – especially when it comes to eating disorders. By being mindful of the

content we consume, setting boundaries, and following accounts that promote self-love

and diversity, we can _____ our relationship with social media.

Remember to take control of your feed. Follow positive, empowering accounts and

remember that you define your worth, not what you see online. Let’s word towards

using social media as a tool for connection, self-love, and empowerment.