The Impact of Social Media on the Eating Habits of Adolescents

Background: The influence of social media on adolescents’ eating habits is increasingly discussed, as social platforms often shape young people’s lifestyle choices and attitudes toward nutrition. This study aimed to examine whether the content shared on social media affects food choices, daily dietary decisions, and the overall approach of adolescents to nutrition. Partial objectives included identifying what types of nutrition-related content adolescents follow, whether it influences their behavior, and to what extent they are able to distinguish between reliable and misleading information. Methods: A quantitative online questionnaire survey was conducted among adolescents aged 15–19 years. A total of 356 responses were collected, of which 344 were analyzed after excluding respondents outside the age criteria. The sample consisted of 73.5 % girls and 26.5 % boys from various types of secondary schools. The questionnaire contained 27 questions covering demographic characteristics, eating habits, influence of social media on food choices, and self-perception. Data were processed in Microsoft Excel using descriptive statistics and expressed in absolute numbers and percentages. Results: Social media were shown to have a dual impact on adolescents. On the one hand, they can motivate healthier eating habits and support an active lifestyle. On the other hand, they often create pressure to conform to unrealistic appearance ideals and may promote unbalanced dietary practices. Respondents reported being influenced by nutrition- and fitness-related content, with varying levels of trust in its reliability. Conclusions: The study confirms that social media significantly affect the eating habits and attitudes of adolescents, with both positive and negative consequences. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening media literacy, critical thinking, and nutrition education, not only from professionals but also within schools and families.