ADOLESCENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA USE, AND EATING DISORDER DEVELOPMENT: The Importance of Social Connection & Media Literacy

ABSTRACT Name: Alexa Neton Major: Psychology ADOLESCENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA USE, AND EATING DISORDER DEVELOPMENT: The Importance of Social Connection & Media Literacy Advisor: Dr. Roberta Mancuso Reader: Dr. Rona McCall Over the last two decades, the prevalence of eating disorders has nearly doubled worldwide, coinciding with the rise of social media platforms that shape and reinforce unrealistic beauty standards. Adolescents are incredibly vulnerable to these influences, as social media has become the primary avenue for social connection during this critical stage of psychological development. The harmful comparisons and unattainable beauty standards perpetuated online lead to bodily dissatisfaction and eating disorder development. In this thesis I explore how Western beauty ideals have evolved, how they are perpetuated and amplified on social media, and how these expectations contribute to the global rise in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. Through both academic research and my own personal experience with Anorexia Nervosa, I highlight the severe consequences of an eating disorder during such a crucial developmental stage and argue that peer support and media literacy are the missing links in our current treatment modalities. By fostering media literacy, promoting peer support networks, and emphasizing real-world connection, we can empower eating disorder prevention and recovery. Recovery IS possible, and I am living proof of that.