The Impact of Social Media Use on the Development of Eating Disorders

Abstract

Pediatric providers are caring for youth who are digital natives and will spend their lives as online media consumers. Awareness of the risks and benefits, as well as ways to mitigate harm are essential to effectively care for children and adolescents, as well as educate their families. Social media is widely used by youth, with widespread effects, including the potential to influence the development of disordered eating. Higher risk youth can be vulnerable to advertising, body image comparisons, and predatory online eating disorder communities.

Keywords: Adolescents; Advertising; Eating disorders; Family; social media.