Eating Disorders and Identity in the Social Media Age

The world is fast-paced and ever-changing. It’s evolving at a rate that most of us struggle to keep up with. Even if we turn off alerts from the myriad of social media platforms, we remain immersed (to some degree) in a technological world that is always on. The social media world, and having a presence in it, has almost become essential in obtaining an identity. This includes connecting with and maintaining social relationships (Facebook/Instagram), obtaining employment and advancing your career (Linkedin/X), as well as creating your own brand of who you are and what you stand for (YouTube/Twitch).

It’s like we have a personal mandate that we must create an online presence (and community following) by distinguishing ourselves from others. In this way the self becomes a created product, and success a matter of perception from others. If you want others to see you in a certain way (and thus feel self-worthy), you need to portray a person that meets certain societal- and cultural standards. The impact of this technological and cultural shift has vast implications for identify formation, especially with up-and-coming generations. It’s clear to see how identity and forming a self-esteem is far more complex than in past generations.

This is especially true for adolescents and younger adults who are currently in the phase of life where identity formation is one of the most consuming tasks. This major shift to an always-connected-world, can, unfortunately, also have negative consequences for those who are vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

The Connection With Social Media and Eating Disorders

The development of eating disorders has been linked with a wide range of contributing factors, including family dysfunction, trauma exposure, genetics, cultural factors, and personality traits. However, in many of my clients it’s noticeable how technology and social media affects their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of themselves and the world around them that encourage their eating disorders.

The association between exposure to beauty and fashion media and eating disorder symptoms has been well established. In childhood, even just having a social media account is associated with a greater likelihood of eating disorder thoughts and behaviours developing. Other research also highlights how particular potent photo-based media is in influencing body image and eating concerns.

During treatment and recovery, it’s quite necessary to discuss social media use because it invariably becomes part of the picture of the eating disorder pathology. Although there are no simple answers of how to do this, I’d encourage anyone to analyse their thoughts about social media, their relationship to it, how they feel it strengthens their own biases, or even how it changes their way of thinking.

The Deficit of Identity

During adolescence and early adulthood there are many variables that may contribute to developing an eating disorder. A key aspect that can contribute significantly, is the deficit of identity. Having a diminished sense of self, or a vulnerable self-esteem, significantly increases the likelihood of developing an eating disorder when coupled with body dissatisfaction and eating disordered behaviours.

We can all relate to the developmental and social pressures beginning in adolescence and progressing into early adulthood. This is a period when the push for our independence accelerates. During this period the question of “Who am I?” becomes a significant focus. Our efforts to seek answers to this question is intensified by rapid brain changes, as well as social influences that encourage us to be constantly connected, yet distinct and individual.

However, the world has been extended from our physical realities to the addition of cyberspace. The internet and social media have expanded the contexts in which we live in and develop our identities. With all the wonderful opportunities the internet provides us (information, connection, sharing), we also influence each other in potentially negative ways. Those that are vulnerable, or easily swayed in their views of self and the world, may become affected by what they see and hear – especially if these messages come from someone they perceive as important to their own identity (i.e. same culture, same age group, etc.). Two particular toxic aspects in social media that influence the deficit of identity formation within eating disorders are the Thin Ideal-Internalisation, as well as Social Comparison. Both are usually aimed at social acceptance.

Thus, for those in an age and developmental period of identity formation, where they are trying to develop their own distinct individuality, it’s particularly important to refrain from internalising the thin ideal, or to use social comparison too much to build self-esteem – otherwise an eating disorder may surface. Relying on these too much will negatively affect your ability to work on building a relationship with yourself, getting to know yourself in the physical form, or come to understand your psychological uniqueness.

Your identity is like you – unique and special. We are not supposed to be like anyone else, even if social acceptance is something we all value and strive for. We should try to remember these things are we strive to develop our identity, building a relationship with ourselves that recognises our uniqueness, as we build connections with others.

Identifying How Social Media Affects You

Social media can be a constant factor in the lives of many people struggling with eating disorders. Looking at your social media habits can provide good insight as to the impact it has on you. Consider excessive use, damaging images that foster certain beliefs, and specific messages you’re exposing yourself to, as well as how these may be feeding into your low sense of self-worth or your eating disordered beliefs. Some indicators of problematic social media use include:

• Comparing yourself too much to others in an unhealthy manner.
• Behaviours that encourage disordered behaviours (e.g., extreme dieting).
• Idealising other people and viewing them above yourself (or more valuable than yourself).
• Excessive technology use that interferes with other important areas of your life (especially relationships).
• As well as prioritising others and their content, and neglecting or minimising your own thoughts and feelings.

In trying to analyse the impact of social media on you, you need to invest time and effort into tracking your time spent, the types of videos and images you focus on, as well as consider how these impact upon you. Your smartphone can help you with this. Most phones can provide some metrics on how many hours you spend on specific apps, which can highlight where you are investing your time. Then, try to view your media history to see what content is grabbing your attention. You can even categorise these if you wanted to see which were related to eating disorders thought and behaviours, and which were neutral or unrelated. Then you’d need to see how these affect your biases and beliefs, which will be the most difficult.

For the best perspective, it may be worth spending time away from those apps, sites, or content. This can help you notice how your thinking changes when you’re not exposed to them continually. This takes some time, and I realise this might cut into something that perhaps brings you enjoyment. But it’s one of the better ways to find perspective on your own social media use, and how your thinking and beliefs are being affected by continued exposure to it.

What If I (or My Child) Already Have Body Image Concerns Relating to My/Their Social Media Use?

A great resource for younger people to consider is the Media Smart Online program. As of the writing of this blog post, the “I am Media Smart” research trial is running, and anyone qualifying can participate in their research program. This program focusses on body image concerns, with a specific focus on becoming media smart. The program has been shown to help people with body image concerns, as well as those already showing signs of an eating disorder. The trial is open to 13-25 year-olds, of any gender, from Australia or New Zealand.

The world of social media will remain a part of our lives from here on. We can’t resist it, or deny this fact. Despite the negative impact it can have on people’s lives, it’s important to reflect that it has positives too. It has enriched our lives, and contributes to a more connected society. However, there is a call on us to know how to use social media responsibly, and be aware of its impact on our thoughts and beliefs. This truism could not be more applicable when considering eating disorders.

If you need support navigating these challenges, contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery through our online eating disorder treatment program.