Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your understanding of the relationship between eating disorders and social media use in adolescents

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To recognise the potential protective and adverse effects of social media in relation to eating disorders

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To be aware of possible gender differences in social media use and the development of eating disorders

There is a wealth of research on the relationship between young people’s increasing use of social media and the development of mental health issues. In the context of eating disorders, evidence suggests that social media use can have a direct and indirect role in dietary restriction, body dissatisfaction and valuing of thinness in adolescents, which are linked to the development of eating disorders. This article reports on a scoping review that explored the relationship between social media use and eating disorders in adolescents. The findings suggest that social media use is not directly related to the development of eating disorders in adolescents, but rather the potential development of eating disorder cognitions which may increase the risk of eating disorders. The findings also suggest that social media use may have some protective effects, where positive online peer relationships may support adolescents to increase their body appreciation.