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A recent study has uncovered concerning connections between TikTok usage and eating disorder symptoms.

Researchers found that users who actively interact with content related to appearance and eating are more likely to exhibit symptoms of eating disorders, potentially due to TikTok's algorithm-driven content suggestions.

Previous studies have consistently linked social media platforms, particularly those focused on visual content, to increased eating disorder symptoms. These symptoms often arise from exposure to idealized body images and the resultant comparisons made by users.

Unlike earlier research that often overlooked the dynamic nature of modern social media environments driven by machine-learning algorithms, this study focused specifically on TikTok. Known for its short, engaging videos and personalized content recommendations, TikTok has gained immense popularity among youth, prompting researchers to investigate how its algorithm may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of eating disorders.

The study, published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, recruited 230 participants from the University of Western Australia, predominantly women, along with men and non-binary individuals. Participants were assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire to gauge symptoms like dietary restraint, eating concerns, weight concerns, and shape concerns over the past month. They also completed assessments on upward appearance comparisons related to social media use and reported their TikTok activity, including screen time and engagement with recommended videos.

According to PsyPost, key findings revealed that heightened engagement with appearance and eating-related content on TikTok correlated with an increased proportion of similar content being recommended. This trend was linked to more frequent comparisons with others' appearances on social media, which in turn correlated with more severe eating disorder symptoms. Specifically, content tagged with appearance/eating-related hashtags or featuring bodies perceived as attractive had significant indirect effects on symptom severity.

Notably, general screen time and engagement with non-specific content did not show similar associations, suggesting that it is the specific nature of the content rather than overall usage that drives these effects.

While the study provides critical insights, it has limitations, such as its cross-sectional design that prevents establishing causality. Future research using longitudinal approaches could explore these relationships further and determine if specific content engagement leads to increased eating disorder symptoms or vice versa.

The researchers advocate for social media platforms to implement policies safeguarding youth from the potential risks associated with engagement with appearance and eating-related content. They stress the need for continued research to better understand and address these concerns in digital environments.

The study, authored by Laura Dondzilo, Rachel F. Rodgers, and Fanny Alexandra Dietel, is titled "Association between engagement with appearance and eating related TikTok content and eating disorder symptoms via recommended content and appearance comparisons."