A New Look at the Digital Mirror: Self-Optimization and Eating Disorders
- Beauty standards on social media fueling rise in eating disorders among youth
Embrace the flawless, the perfect... or so it seems. But the rise of self-optimization on social media is triggering a significant surge in eating disorders among the youth, primarily females, according to a leading insurance company. The number of cases of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating among girls aged 12 to 17 has climbed from 101 to 150 per 10,000 insured between 2019 and 2023, reported KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse. That's a 48% hike, the steepest for any age group.
The self-optimization arena, tainted with unattainable ideals, may result in dwindling self-esteem and psychological disorders, including eating disorders, the insurance company cautioned.
Self-Image Under Siege
"At an age where self-identity is still uncertain, such excessive demands on appearance can become a significant strain," said KKH psychologist Franziska Klemm. Warnings were issued - "The more intensely social media is used, the higher the risk of body dissatisfaction and associated eating disorders."
KKH analyzed data from its insured between 2019 and 2023, counting approximately 1.66 million KKH insured in 2023, which included around 90,300 girls and boys aged 12 to 17. KKH currently boasts around 1.5 million insured.
Beauty Standards Unrelenting
Girls are more susceptible, according to the psychologist. They are not only directly impacted by such videos but also engage more with themselves compared to boys. They compare themselves more often on social media and feel a higher pressure to meet beauty standards. Adding to the woes, many are unaware that the lifestyles displayed on social media are seldom reality. However, while stars like supermodels or Hollywood celebrities may seem out of reach, social media provides a sense of closeness.
In contrast, the number of affected boys remains essentially static, with a slight increase of just over 4%, or 34 to 36 cases per 10,000 insured.
Among women aged 18 to 24, the insurance company noted an increase of 25.1%, with the total number of affected women rising by 10.4%. According to the insurance company's estimates, around 460,000 people in Germany had a diagnosed eating disorder in 2023, with 7.5% being girls between the ages of 12 and 17.
Echoes of a Digital Torment
In various videos, slim women discuss their "quest for the ideal body," while a "virtual beauty police" critiques beauty flaws like round, full faces ("cortisol face") or overweight big toes ("toebesity"), the insurance company warned. "Awareness isn't enough," emphasized Klemm. For more impact, promote a positive self-image and bolster critical engagement with beauty ideals: "This has been proven to safeguard against the development of an eating disorder."
Apart from enrolling in prevention programs, teenagers could do a lot on their own, said Klemm. "It's crucial to understand the gap between idealized online representations and reality. In practical terms, that means venturing out to see people as they truly are." And perhaps, a strategy could be a more mindful use of social networks - that entails spending less time on them and taking social media breaks.
- The community policy should address the concerns regarding the impact of social media on self-image and mental health, particularly in regards to the surge in eating disorders among the youth, and suggest measures to promote a positive self-image and critical engagement with beauty ideals.
- Employment policies in various sectors, such as health-and-wellness, science, and entertainment, could incorporate mental health awareness programs to educate employees about the Psychological effects of excessive social media use and the importance of a positive self-image in preventing eating disorders.
- In light of the study showing a significant correlation between social media use and eating disorders, especially among girls aged 12 to 17, employers may consider implementing policies that encourage healthy habits, such as encouraging frequent breaks from social media platforms, fostering a supportive work environment, and promoting mental health resources to ensure the well-being of their employees.
