A double-edged sword: How social media influences body image and behaviour

While social media offers unparalleled access to information, it can be a breeding ground for misinformation, and can isolate those living with obesity, who may be searching for support at a vulnerable time.

With the influence of social media not showing any signs of slowing down, is there any possibility it can become a positive platform for obesity support? This article explores in more detail, the dark side of social media, and shares recommendations for positive social media practices to benefit your weight management journey. 

The way living with obesity is portrayed on social media can impact how people perceive their bodies and can reinforce negative attitude towards individuals living with overweight or obesity. It isn’t just stigmatising comments that can play a part; there are several factors at play.

• Publicising diet culture. Promotion of ‘thinness’ at whatever cost; isolating those who do not fit a certain body size and elevating nutrition advice from unverified sources all perpetuate diet culture online. With the introduction of counter movements such as body acceptance, there had been signs that diet culture was starting to date. However, recent studies into social media platform TikTok have concluded that young people are most likely to engage with and, perhaps most worryingly, create content that feeds diet culture.
• False representation of ‘ideal’ body types. By 2030 it is predicted that 50% of the world’s population will live with overweight or obesity. Yet online representation of people with excess weight is lacking and often stigmatising and stereotypical. Despite such a large percentage of the population living with a shared experience of a chronic disease, social media can force people living with obesity to feel isolated. A recent study into the perceptions of obesity in adolescents found that nearly two-thirds felt that the responsibility of weight loss lay with them alone.
• Spreading of misinformation about obesity. The World Economic Forum concluded this year than misinformation and disinformation is the biggest short-term (two years) global threat the world is facing. Due to lack of regulation and fact-checking abilities, social media can spread misinformation quickly and easily. In fact, due to the way algorithms on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram operate, people can find themselves in an ‘echo chamber’ of similar opinions. This can overinflate one opinion versus another. Often the deeper into an echo chamber you go, the less likely you will be exposed to any other opinion, leaving it near impossible to differentiate fact from fiction.
• The use of weight-related humour and bullying. Finally, a critical issue for social media is the fact that it can so easily be anonymous. This means that in most cases,  people can share opinions or send harmful messages to others without consequence. An analysis of X (Twitter) found that almost 2/3 of tweets related to weight-based discrimination had negative connotations.

It is unsurprising that exposure to any of the above can have a negative impact on mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. Poor mental health can reduce the ability to leave the house, partake in group activities or physical exercise and seek support from others, all of which are important factors in weight management. Isolation can drive people to social media, as young people in particular use platforms as a way of forming identities and finding social connections, and thus a cycle is created.

Based on the above, it can be argued that social media will always do more harm than good. However, it is not showing any signs of going away, in fact, it is growing, scale and influence exponentially. It should be stated that safe use of social media can have a positive outcome, it is important to know what to look out for.

• Finding community. There are regulated closed Facebook groups available to join for those seeking a community, that can share advice, scientifically recommended weight management options, and promote realistic and sustainable health goals.
• Following relatable and trusted influencers. When you find yourself in an echo chamber of diet culture and toxic content, it can be hard to make your way out. But recognising what has a positive impact on you and what has a negative impact is important. Try and limit time spent looking for diets or weight loss advice on social media, and search out influencers by using body acceptance hashtags. This can help inform your platforms of what you are interested in and will create a new chamber of positive content.
• Connecting with friends for positive social interaction. Many use social media as a way of staying social, which became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to maintain a strong support system around you. You can read more about this here.

Social media is a double-edged sword. While it can amplify negativity, it also offers good opportunities for connection and support. For those navigating health challenges, such as obesity, online communities can be a lifeline, empowering individuals and challenging harmful stereotypes. By harnessing its potential and mitigating its risks, social media can be a powerful tool for positive change.