2 min
TikTok is weirdly addictive.
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok, falling into a vortex of quirky dances, life hacks, and oddly satisfying videos?
We’ve all been there! TikTok’s strategic nature is often attributed to its clever algorithm, but is there a darker side lurking within the world of #healthylifestyle content?
Let’s dive into a recent study that explored just that.
Like other social media platforms, TikTok has been under scrutiny for potentially perpetuating diet culture. The question at hand: Can you explore health content on TikTok without being bombarded by the influence of diet culture?
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior set out to answer this.
The researchers delved into the 250 most-viewed videos under the hashtag #healthylifestyle. Their mission was to categorize these videos based on the messages they conveyed. The results were a mix of positivity and negativity surrounding health and body image.
Negative Messages (in percentage of posts):
Positive Messages (in percentage of posts):
Contradictory Messages:
A notable 14% of videos presented conflicting messages within the same content. Imagine the juxtaposition of “I love my body!” followed by a restrictive diet endorsement.
1. Navigating Toxic Terrain
The study underlines the potential toxicity of social media, where negative health messages outweigh the positive. It sheds light on the fact that regardless of their health knowledge, influencers can wield significant influence, sometimes perpetuating harmful body ideals.
2. Social Media and Client Conversations
With 25% of active TikTok users falling in the 16–24 age group, discussing your social media usage becomes crucial. Considering that around 85% of young people rely on the Internet and social media for health information, coaches play a pivotal role in helping individuals critically evaluate the content they consume.
As we navigate the vast sea of social media, we must be mindful of the messages we encounter. A conversation about the impact of social media on well-being, coupled with thoughtful content creation, can contribute to a healthier online environment. After all, promoting positive health ideals should be a collective effort.
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P.S.
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