Social networks and eating disorders

A study published in September 2025 highlighted, once again, how much the contents of social networks can favor the onset of eating disorders.

Specifically, by analyzing almost 3000 posts by male content creators on Instagram and TikTok, it was seen that 70% of the contents published had to do with diet, physical exercise or "salute".

As for the content creators themselves, 25% presented characteristics suggestive of a diagnosis of real anorexia nervosa, while 60% suggested incorrect eating habits. In the case of the male gender, specific patterns accompanying eating disorders can also be determined, in particular vigoroxia, or the obsessive search for a muscular body.

This is a huge problem that does not receive adequate attention… let’s take the example of TikTok: it removed the hashtag #Skinnytok and then simply allowed it to be replaced with more "sneaky"for example those behind the challenges "what i eat in a day".

By every possible means, widespread moderation of certain contents should be encouraged; for example, integrating AI to support human moderation. However, users must also take action and become increasingly aware of the risks associated with using digital tools! In this sense, as a neurologist I believe that the dissemination of digital education is the most effective weapon against the side effects of social networks.