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@article{196285,
        author = {Sr. Neelmani Tirkey and Mrs. Divya Varghese},
        title = {THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH EATING DISORDERS: A DOUBLE- EDGED SWORD},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {3599-3601},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=196285},
        abstract = {Background: - Adolescence is a critical stage of life when positive behaviors are acquired and developed to enhance quality of life and physical functioning. At this stage, one should eat well, be physically active, and like and accept oneself. The use of social media is also a part of the life of adolescents with numerous benefits, but misinformation may produce a negative health impact. Adolescents are resultant of what is posted on social media, which quite often includes a lot of fast junk food marketing advertisements. These postings, in turn, influence their food preferences and selections by which they can alter the way they view what is considered a healthy eating habit.
The use of social media has been linked to eating disorder like behaviors and higher rates of depression in teenagers. Teenagers who view health and fitness related material on social media for example is impacted by the commercial and celebrity sponsored foods that are not always nutritious. Teenagers see food advertisement posts all around them, since social media use is one of the favorite smart phones based activities they take part in. This exposure influences their food choices and food preferences, which can trigger the development of long-term medical disorders. It is therefore; very important to know and evaluate the impact and influence of social media on the eating habits of teenagers and others in general.
Objective: - This article examines the relationship between social media addiction and eating attitudes with an emphasis on the psychological and behavioral pathways that link online behaviors with eating disorders.
Methods: - A review of contemporary literature (2020-2025) with both Indian and international studies were undertaken. Standardized measures such as the social media addiction scale and the eating attitudes test conducted in 2026 which were considered in establishing an association between social media addiction and eating attitudes.
Conclusion: - The presence of social media addiction has a potentially significant effect on eating attitudes, which can increase the risk of disordered eating and risk of developing condition disorders. Prevention mechanisms related to digital legacy, promoting body positivity, and psychological counseling is a necessary mechanism to combat the growing issues on health.},
        keywords = {Social Media Addiction, Eating Attitudes, Body Image, Adolescents, Eating Disorders.},
        month = {April},
        }