Study: Excessive social media use is linked to mental health and eating disorders



Summer Samir


Posted on: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 – 1:45 PM | Last update: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 – 1:45 PM

Nowadays, social media has become an important part of our lives, thanks to its ability to connect people from all over the world and give us instant access to information, but while it has many benefits, it also has downsides, especially when it comes to mental health.

Recent studies have shown that excessive use of social media is linked to a range of negative effects on mental health, including body image problems, low self-esteem and eating disorders.

A group of researchers from University College London conducted a comprehensive analysis of 50 scientific studies from 17 different countries, which showed a clear association between social media use and issues related to body image, as published by Healthshots.

A recent study published in Global Public Health revealed the relationship between social media use and body image or eating disorders in young adults. negative effects on mental health, disordered eating, and body image concerns in young adults.

Another study, conducted by Flinders University in Australia, found that heavy use of social media is associated with a higher likelihood of developing an eating disorder. About the body and increasing pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, this is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed, as eating disorders can have serious consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health.

The UK’s Royal Society for Public Health found that social media is linked to body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression and loneliness, as social media platforms often present idealized images of beauty and success that can be unattainable and lead to low self-esteem.

Moreover, social media can contribute to feelings of social isolation, as people compare their lives to others online and feel inadequate. This can have significant negative effects on the mental health of young people, leading to increased anxiety and depression.

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