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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Thursday, December 26, 2024

TikTok's Impact on Eating Disorders

Published: 2024-08-17

A recent Swedish study highlights the impact of TikTok on young girls undergoing treatment for eating disorders.

The research, led by Emma Claesdotter-Knutsson at Lund University, involved interviews with 14 girls aged 14 to 17, revealing that TikTok's algorithm often exposes them to content that glorifies anorexia and other eating disorders.

This exposure can hinder recovery by reinforcing harmful behaviors.

Despite TikTok's efforts to curb such content, the platform's ability to tailor feeds based on user interest can trap vulnerable users in a cycle of negative content.

The study suggests that parents should be more involved in monitoring their children's social media use, as many participants expressed a desire for greater parental oversight.

While TikTok can offer a sense of community and support, the study concludes that its overall influence is more negative than positive for those struggling with eating disorders.