The Relationship Between SNS Usage and Disordered Eating Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis

Zhang, Juan; Wang, Yihui; Li, Qianru; Wu, Chenggang

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.641919

Cited by 37 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 108 publications

(115 reference statements)

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“…Problematic Facebook use is on the rise [ 20 ]. It has a causal effect on eating disorder symptoms and attitudes [ 35 – 37 , 40 , 41 ]. Comorbid dependence on Facebook/internet increases emotional negativity (e.g., depression and state anxiety) in individuals prone to disordered eating [ 34 , 36 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Symptoms of dysfunctional eating are more likely to be internet dependent while internet addiction is a confirmed predictor of all subtypes of EDs among university students [ 33 , 34 ]. Indeed, meta-analytic data confirm causal claims associating SNSs/Facebook use and disordered eating [ 35 ]. Facebook implicates numerous factors that increase the risk for eating pathology such as media and peers [ 34 , 36 , 37 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

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The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale: its psychometric properties and invariance among women with eating disorders

et al. 2022

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Objective Facebook addiction is increasing, giving rise to limited real-life social networks, loneliness, poor work and academic performance, psychopathology, and low well-being. Facebook entails numerous factors that increase the risk for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (e.g., use time and Facebook activities such as social grooming and photo sharing). This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) among patients with eating disorders (EDs) given lack of validation of Facebook addiction measures in this population. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 123 inpatient and outpatient women with EDs (Mean age = 27.3, SD = 10.6, range = 14–59 years) used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multigroup CFA, structural equation modeling (SEM), Spearman’s rho Spearman’s analysis, McDonald's Omega (ω), Cronbach’s alpha (α), and item-total correlations to examine the structure, invariance, criterion validity, reliability, and discriminant validity of the BFAS. Results Correlating the residuals of items 2, 3, and 5 resulted in an excellent fit of a one-factor structure of the BFAS (χ2(7) = 8.515, p = .289, CFI = .998, TLI = .996, RMSEA = .042, SRMR = .0099). The BFAS was invariant at the configural, metric, and scalar levels across groups of EDs, age, education, and marital status. High values of ω and α (.96) as well as item-total correlations (.851–.929) indicated excellent reliability and high discrimination index of the BFAS. Criterion validity is noted by strong positive correlation with the Six-item Internet Addiction Test (S-IAT, r = .88) and SEM using the S-IAT to predict the BFAS (χ2(49) = 103.701, p = .001, CFI = .975, TLI = .966, RMSEA = .096, SRMR = .0317).. Conclusion The BFAS is a reliable unidimensional measure. Its high discrimination index and invariance across different groups make it useful for detecting Facebook addiction among patients with ED.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale: its psychometric properties and invariance among women with eating disorders

et al. 2022

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“…Meta‐analyses and reviews link social media use to poorer body image and disordered eating (de Valle et al, 2021; Frost & Rickwood, 2017; Holland & Tiggemann, 2016; Mingoia et al, 2017; Ryding & Kuss, 2019; Saiphoo & Vahedi, 2019; Zhang et al, 2021). Across reviews, appearance‐related use (i.e., exposure to appearance‐ideal images; posting photos of oneself; viewing/liking/commenting on others' photos; and appearance‐related social media motivations) has stronger associations with negative outcomes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Targeting the link between social media and eating disorder risk: A randomized controlled pilot study

Valle

Wade

2022

Intl J Eating Disorders

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Objective: Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a selfcriticism intervention addressing the link between appearance-motivated social media use and eating disorder risk. Another condition, designed to help users curate their social media feed to reduce negative impacts on wellbeing, was also trialed as an active and credible comparison.Method: University students aged 17-25 (N = 170) were screened and randomized (n = 130) to the self-criticism intervention, social media curation, or waitlist control group.The intervention comprised self-guided cognitive behavior therapy delivered in four modules over 1 week. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes were appearance motivations for social media use, appearance comparison, self-criticism, body image flexibility, and disordered eating (at baseline, one-week postrandomization, and two-weeks postrandomization). Trial registration: ACTRN12621000353897.Results: Participants completed an average of 82% of the intervention modules and 77% of the homework exercises within the week allocated. The intervention was well-accepted; participants reported a range of positive aspects, alongside suggested modifications to the intervention and study design to improve acceptability. Group by time interactions suggested groups changed at a different rate on three secondary outcomes; between-groups effect sizes suggested this was due to greater improvements in the self-criticism group than waitlist control.Discussion: This was the first study to evaluate an intervention for the link between appearance-related social media use and eating disorder risk for young adults. Positive findings relating to feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy suggest a larger randomized controlled trial, with modifications to the intervention and study design, is warranted.Public significance: Appearance-related social media use has been linked to poorer body image and disordered eating, necessitating treatments that can disrupt this relationship. The self-criticism intervention evaluated in this study shows promise as a strategy to address this need. It is the first intervention focused on appearancerelated social media use to be designed for and tested in young adults, who are at heightened risk of developing an eating disorder.

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“…(27). A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies across various countries by Zhang et al found an adverse relationship between use of social networking sites and disordered eating behaviors (28). For example, individuals exposed to weight-related stigma in experimental settings have been shown to have increased ad libitum total energy intake (29)(30)(31), to be more likely to binge eat and less likely to adhere to weight loss treatments (32,33), and to be less likely to engage in physical activity (31,(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39).…”

Section: Weight Stigma and Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Weight Stigma and Social Media: Evidence and Public Health Solutions

et al. 2021

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Weight stigma is a pressing issue that affects individuals across the weight distribution. The role of social media in both alleviating and exacerbating weight bias has received growing attention. On one hand, biased algorithms on social media platforms may filter out posts from individuals in stigmatized groups and concentrate exposure to content that perpetuates problematic norms about weight. Individuals may also be more likely to engage in attacks due to increased anonymity and lack of substantive consequences online. The critical influence of social media in shaping beliefs may also lead to the internalization of weight stigma. However, social media could also be used as a positive agent of change. Movements such as Body Positivity, the Fatosphere, and Health at Every Size have helped counter negative stereotypes and provide more inclusive spaces. To support these efforts, governments should continue to explore legislative solutions to enact anti-weight discrimination policies, and platforms should invest in diverse content moderation teams with dedicated weight bias training while interrogating bias in existing algorithms. Public health practitioners and clinicians should leverage social media as a tool in weight management interventions and increase awareness of stigmatizing online content among their patients. Finally, researchers must explore how experiences of stigma differ across in-person and virtual settings and critically evaluate existing research methodologies and terminology. Addressing weight stigma on social media will take a concerted effort across an expansive set of stakeholders, but the benefits to population health are consequential and well-worth our collective attention.

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The Relationship Between SNS Usage and Disordered Eating Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis

Cited by 37 publications

References 108 publications

The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale: its psychometric properties and invariance among women with eating disorders

The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale: its psychometric properties and invariance among women with eating disorders

Targeting the link between social media and eating disorder risk: A randomized controlled pilot study

Weight Stigma and Social Media: Evidence and Public Health Solutions

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