Associations between social media use andeating disorder risk in young people : -a systematic review

Introduction: Eating disorder (ED) incidence is rising, particularly among youth. Thesepsychiatric conditions involve distorted perceptions of weight, eating, and body image. Riskfactors include disordered eating behaviors (DEB) and drive for thinness (DFT). Traditionalmedia has been linked to ED risk, raising questions about social media's (SM´s) impact. Aim: This study aimed to assess SM´s relationship with ED risk in young people, identifymediating variables, and explore potential interventions. Methods: The inclusion criteria for observational and experimental studies weredetermined based on a PEO framework, which specified: Population (age 10-24), Exposure(use of social media), and Outcome (DEB or DFT). Interventional studies were required toinclude lessons addressing body image that aimed to reduce SM´s impact on ED risk. Thedatabases PubMed and PsychINFO were searched, and articles were assessed for credibility. Results: The main types of SM use studied were duration and appearance-related use. SMuse was associated with ED risk, as indicated by DEB and DFT, and effect sizes were smallto medium. Mediating variables included upward comparison, internalization of the thinideal, and body surveillance. Two interventional studies showed that SM competence classescould target the relationship, but effect sizes were small. Conclusion: SM use seems to be associated with ED risk in young people, with possiblemediating variables like upward comparison, internalization of the thin ideal, and bodysurveillance. One potential intervention could be to offer SM competence classes.