Social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok have become an integral part of our lives, offering a platform for connection, information, and entertainment. However, for individuals in eating disorder recovery and those healing from a negative body image, constant social media exposure can be a double-edged sword.

While it offers a platform for support and connection, it also presents significant risks. Exposure to weight loss ads, diet culture content, and unrealistic body standards can exacerbate negative self-perception and disordered eating behaviors.

The Good and Bad Aspects of Social Media

The Good

1. Support and Community: Social media can connect individuals with support groups, recovery communities, and professionals who offer valuable advice and encouragement. Positive communities can provide a sense of belonging and validation.

2. Access to Resources: Users can find educational content on eating disorder recovery, mental health, and body positivity. Many credible professionals such as Anti-Diet Registered Dietitians and Mental Health Professionals share evidence-based and Free Resources that can be beneficial for recovery.

3. Inspiration and Motivation: Following accounts that promote healthy, balanced lifestyles and body positivity can inspire and motivate users to maintain their recovery journey.

The Bad

1. Exposure to Unrealistic Standards: Social media often showcases highly edited and curated images that set unattainable beauty and body standards. Constant comparison to these images can damage self-esteem and body image.

2. Diet Culture Promotion: Many influencers and ads promote diet culture, which can trigger disordered eating patterns. The glorification of thinness and the promotion of weight loss as a means to happiness and success can be particularly harmful.

3. Misinformation and Non-Evidence-Based Content: Social media is rife with misinformation about health, nutrition, and body image. Many individuals sharing advice on these topics lack proper credentials and promote practices that are not evidence-based. This misinformation can lead to harmful behaviors and misguided beliefs about health and wellness.

4. Unsolicited Weight Loss Content: Algorithms on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can flood feeds with weight loss content, making it difficult to avoid triggering material.

Tips for Navigating Social Media

Removing Weight Loss Ads on Instagram

1. Settings > Accounts Center > Ad Preferences > Ad Topics

2. Type in “Body Weight Control” and Opt to See Less

By adjusting your ad preferences, you can significantly reduce the number of weight loss ads you see on Instagram.

Limiting Unsolicited Weight Loss Content on Instagram

1. Go to Instagram ‘Settings’

2. Select ‘Content Preferences’

3. Select ‘Sensitive Content’

4. Select ‘Less’

This setting helps limit the appearance of sensitive content, including unsolicited weight loss advice and diet culture content, on your feed and explore page.

Navigating TikTok

1. Disconnect from Social Media and Connect with Support: Take regular breaks from TikTok and other social media platforms. Spend more time in environments where you feel safe, valued, and validated. If you don’t have these spaces, seek them out through support groups or therapy.

2. Unfollow, Hide, or Block: Unfollow or block accounts that post triggering content about food, weight, or body image. Prioritize following accounts of registered, weight-neutral, anti-diet dietitians and other supportive, body-positive influencers.

3. Filter Content by Keywords:

• Go to TikTok’s ‘Content Preferences’

• Filter videos using keywords like “diet” to avoid seeing these videos in your feed.

4. Limit Screen Time:

• In TikTok’s settings, turn on “Screen Time Breaks” to receive alerts when it’s time to take a break.

• Set a customized limit on “Daily Screen Time.” Once you hit this limit, a password will be required to continue using the app. Consider giving this password to a trusted support person.

Additional Tips

1. Curate a Positive Feed: Follow body-positive accounts that promote self-love and acceptance. This can help create a more supportive and uplifting social media experience.

2. Practice Mindfulness: Be mindful of how social media makes you feel. If you notice increased anxiety, comparison, or negative self-talk, it may be time to take a break or adjust your following list.

3. Engage with Supportive Communities: Join online communities or forums focused on eating disorder recovery and positive body image. These spaces can provide valuable support and resources.

4. Educate Yourself: Learn about the harms of diet culture and the benefits of a weight-neutral approach to health. This knowledge can empower you to make informed choices about the content you consume.

5. Verify Information: Before implementing any advice or information you see on social media, verify its accuracy by consulting credible sources such as registered dietitians, healthcare professionals, or academic articles. Remember, just because something is popular on social media doesn’t mean it’s accurate or safe.

6. Follow @ShannonScottNutrition and other recovery-focused accounts to ensure your feed only shows encouraging posts.

Conclusion

Navigating social media during eating disorder recovery and while healing from a negative body image can be challenging, but it is possible with the right strategies.

By curating your feed, setting boundaries, seeking out evidence-based information, and focusing on positive and supportive content, you can create a safer and more supportive online environment.

Prioritize your mental health and well-being above all else, and remember that it's okay to take breaks from social media to focus on your recovery journey.