Facebook Is to Blame for Binge Eating
In a new study, the University of Sydney analyzed the marketing behavior of large corporations on social media and concluded that excessive use of Facebook increases the consumption of junk food.
The main problem apparently lies in the fact that advertisements featuring thin models and athletes suggest something other than just how unhealthy fast food can be. The study was conducted for the American Journal of Public Health, as Pressetext.com writes. To this end, 27 Facebook pages of the most popular food and beverage brands were analyzed. The researchers focused on Australian Facebook users. The results show, for example, that the strong social aspect of social networks in particular increases the consumption of unhealthy foods. This is because, time and again, clever marketing influences the thinking of many young users by linking the purchase of junk food to positive events.
Many companies use social media in this way, particularly because of its high level of interactivity. The junk food industry is no exception. However, blaming one’s own binge eating on Facebook use sounds a bit sensationalist—but it’s still a factor that can’t be ignored. After all, shared content markets itself well through the social aspect, following the logic: «If my Facebook friend likes the product, it can’t be bad for me either.» Through “likes,” contests, and posts like these, the product is also displayed to all of the user’s friends. And the social media cycle keeps turning. (uma/pressetext)
