College - Author 1
College of Science and Mathematics
Department - Author 1
Kinesiology and Public Health Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Kinesiology
Date
3-2022
Primary Advisor
Jafra D. Thomas, College of Science and Mathematics, Kinesiology and Public Health Department
Abstract/Summary
Importance: Social media is a pervasive influence in modern society presenting many potential public health implications.
Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize current research regarding social media and eating disorders.
Methods: Primary research was gathered from Google Scholar and OneSearch database resulting in 7 articles. Articles were examined for common themes.
Results: Common themes found in the resulting research is the prevalence of ‘thinspiration’, gamified content, and overlap of eating disorders with other mental illnesses. Several articles found a significant correlation between social media use and the severity of eating disorder symptoms.
Conclusion: This correlation incites that social media use could be a risk factor in the development or severity of eating disorders in many populations. Social media habits should be considered in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Future research should explore this correlation in different demographics and consider a causal relationship between social media use and eating disorder symptoms.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/kinesp/20
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