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

Authors

Roslyn L. Gerwin, Maine Medical Center
Sahar Ashraf, Texas Tech University Health Science Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2025

Institution/Department

Pediatrics

Journal Title

Pediatric clinics of North America

MeSH Headings

Humans; Social Media; Feeding and Eating Disorders (psychology); Adolescent; Child; Body Image (psychology)

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.

First Page

203

Last Page

212

Recommended Citation

Gerwin, Roslyn L. and Ashraf, Sahar, "The Impact of Social Media Use on the Development of Eating Disorders" (2025). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 3955.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/3955