Why TikTok’s Ban on #SkinnyTok Can’t Stop Unhealthy Eating Trends from Thriving

TikTok recently took a big step by banning the hashtag #SkinnyTok. This move came after European regulators raised concerns about the harmful impact of content promoting unrealistic body images and extreme dieting. The platform saw a flood of videos featuring dangerously thin young women sharing tips for rapid weight loss.

Even though the hashtag is gone, the battle against unhealthy content continues. Social media is still filled with messages about strict diets and excessive calorie cutting. Research shows that engaging with this kind of content can increase the risk of eating disorders, especially among young women.

Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy messages can be challenging. Brooke Erin Duffy, a social media expert from Cornell University, explains that many posts exist in "gray zones." These are hard to regulate because creators cleverly adapt when platforms try to censor them. For example, the meme "What I eat in a day" can showcase either a healthy diet or an unhealthy one that promotes extreme calorie deficits. One person might share a video of a single croissant as a full day’s food intake, while another might present a nutritious meal plan of 1,800 calories.

Some creators are stepping up to push back against this trend. Kate Glavan, an athlete with nearly 150,000 followers, highlights the dangers of content glorifying starvation. She shares her own struggles with an eating disorder and urges others to block harmful creators.

Unfortunately, research shows that content promoting body positivity doesn’t attract as many viewers, limiting its reach. Amanda Raffoul, an expert in eating disorders and social media from the University of Toronto, notes that society often ties beauty to thinness, reinforcing unrealistic standards.

Even if TikTok blocks certain hashtags, it’s crucial to remember that content can still spread. The platform states it reviews safety measures regularly and directs users searching for banned hashtags to resources like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders.

However, recent trends indicate a resurgence of the belief that thin is ideal. Megan Jayne Crabbe, the author of We Don’t Make Ourselves Smaller Here, says that with the rise of GLP-1 drugs for quick weight loss, the narrative around beauty has shifted back towards thinness. Crabbe acknowledges the ban on #SkinnyTok but believes deeper societal changes in perceptions of body image are still needed.

Nyome Nicholas-Williams, a plus-size model, expresses her frustrations as well. She feels that body positivity, originally a movement for embracing all forms, has been co-opted and commercialized. Nicholas-Williams advocates for "body neutrality" instead, emphasizing self-acceptance without equating it to body size.

The discussion around eating disorders isn’t just limited to personal experiences; it’s intertwined with broader societal trends and profit motives behind social media platforms. According to Raffoul, every moment spent on these platforms is monetized, making it crucial to rethink content exposure. Experts argue that meaningful change may require legislative action, especially to protect vulnerable audiences from dangerous content.

In the meantime, the best strategy might be to simply avoid harmful content altogether.

Source link