The Relationship between the Mindfulness and Social Media Usage on Eating Attitudes among Adolescents

This study explores the relationship between mindfulness, social media usage, and eating attitudes among adolescents aged 12 to 18, a phase marked by emotional, physical, and cognitive development that increases vulnerability to external influences. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat often promote unrealistic beauty standards, which can negatively affect adolescents? self-image and contribute to dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. Mindfulness, which involves being fully present and regulating emotional responses, may help mitigate these effects by enhancing emotional control and resilience. The study includes 200 school- and college-going adolescents and adopts a pre-post design to examine how mindfulness influences eating attitudes and social media behavior. Standardized tools such as the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM), Social Media Use Questionnaire (SMUQ), and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) will be used for data collection. Mindfulness will be fostered through structured sessions aimed at promoting self-awareness, emotional balance, and mindful digital engagement. Ethical protocols will be followed, including obtaining assent from minors and informed consent from participants aged 19, along with maintaining confidentiality, voluntary participation, and the right to withdraw. The results are expected to support the development of school-based strategies for healthier digital use and improved adolescent mental health through mindfulness.