Pro-Eating-Disorder Videos Reach Teens on TikTok

Video-sharing app TikTok allows pro-anorexia hashtags to be searchable on the app.

TikTok does not allow content promoting or glorifying eating disorders.

The video app surpassed 1 billion active monthly users in September, 60% of whom are between the ages of 16 and 24.

The app’s use of augmented reality camera filters can also contribute to negative body image, especially for young girls, research from UltraViolet found.

The platform in 2020 imposed additional restrictions on weight-loss ads after facing criticism for promoting dangerous and unhealthy diets.

‘It spreads like a disease’: how pro-eating-disorder videos reach teens on TikTok

Although the platform bans content promoting dangerous weight loss, hashtags such as #skinnycheck can still be found

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Parents open up on how social media fuel eating disorders – Taipei Times

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle noticed her teenage daughters were spending substantially more time on Instagram. The girls were feeling isolated and bored during lockdown, the Arizona mom, who asked to only be identified by her first name to maintain her children?s privacy, recalled. She hoped social media could be a way for them to remain connected with their friends and community. However, as the months progressed, the girls fell into pro-diet, pro-exercise and ultimately pro-eating-disorder hashtags on the social media app. It started with ?health challenge? photos and recipe videos, Michelle said, which led to more similar content in

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