Meta Research Shows Instagram Exposure to Eating Disorder Content Linked to Negative Teen Body Image

Recent studies reveal a complex relationship between social media use and mental health, particularly among adolescents. Research involving twins in the Netherlands indicates that the small association between social media usage and well-being is partly driven by genetic factors rather than social media alone, challenging simplistic views on its impact. In France, modeling studies highlight concerns over excessive social media use contributing to adolescent depression, while Meta's internal research shows that teens feeling negatively about their bodies are exposed to significantly more eating disorder-related content on Instagram, although causality remains unclear. Social media also plays a supportive role for young people managing chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes by providing information and emotional support. However, the rise in image-centric platforms intensifies exposure to appearance-related content, correlating with increased disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction, underscoring the need for nuanced understanding of who is most vulnerable or resilient to social media's effects.