The relationships between social media exposure, food craving, cognitive impulsivity and cognitive restraint

Exploring the Relationship Between Excessive Social Media Use and Eating Disorders Among Young Adults: Evidence From a Bangladesh-Based Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

Problematic or addictive use of social media has been associated with psychological and health issues. The main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between Facebook addiction and eating disorders (EDs) among young adults in Bangladesh.

METHODS

We conducted an online-based cross-sectional study among 550 young adults aged 18 to 27 in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the survey data. The survey tool consisted of three sections: (i) socio-demographic, behavioral, and social media use-related characteristics, (ii) assessment of Facebook addiction using Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, and (iii) assessment of EDs risk using Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26, outcome variable). Scoring at or above 20 on the EAT-26 scale (total score ranges from 0 to 78) indicated an ED risk. Unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship outcome and explanatory variables.

RESULTS

Approximately 38% of the study participants showed addiction to Facebook, whereas 23.6% were at risk of developing an ED. Multiple adjusted logistic regression models demonstrated that Facebook addiction was significantly associated with an increased risk of EDs (OR  =  1.784; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.154-2.760). Moreover, smoking habits, self-rated body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level showed a significant association with the risk of EDs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may help public health professionals and policymakers to take the initiative and develop strategies to overcome these addictive behaviors and promote healthy eating habits across the country.

Down the Rabbit Hole: How Digital Media Shapes Public Perceptions of Food Science and Technology Research (And How We Can Safeguard Science Integrity and Credibility)

Professionals and practitioners in food science and technology navigate a minefield of challenges stemming from the convergence of science, scientific inquiry and research, and online mass and social media. Misinterpretations and politicized debates occur frequently in online media, where food- and diet-related topics have an avid following, and conflicting information or incomplete coverage may occasionally undermine public trust in the integrity of food science research from both academia and industry. Leveraging a broad landscape analysis of scientific and popular lay journal reports, we catalog a series of food science and technology topics that have been popularized in online forums, sometimes at the expense of scientific accuracy. Finally, we detail some guidelines and tools that may assist food science and technology academics, industry professionals, science publishers, and online journalists in rigorously safeguarding the integrity and credibility of research reports that reach the lay consumer through social and online media channels.

Association of Social Media Addiction, Weight Perception, and Lifestyle in Mexican Nursing Students

In recent years, there has been a reported significative increase in social media addiction (SMA), associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits. To analyze the association between SMA, lifestyle, and weight perception among Mexican nursing students, a cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students over 18 years old. The survey was administered via Google Forms and distributed through Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram from June to August 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a multiple linear regression model with SPSS. A total of 255 students participated, 80.0% of whom were women, and 86.2% were undergraduate students. The average social media addiction score was 25.6 (SD = 14.0). Of the participants, 49.8% reported a dangerous-to-fair lifestyle, while 50.2% reported a good-to-excellent lifestyle. Social media addiction was negatively correlated with lifestyle (rs = −0.496, p < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression model, social media addiction, perception of body weight, and students who work explained 32.5% of the lifestyle variance. Students who reported higher levels of social media addiction tended to have less healthy lifestyles. It is important to consider the detection of social media addiction and its potential long-term health implications for nursing students.

Examining the evidence between screen time and night eating behaviour with dietary intake related to metabolic syndrome: A narrative review

Screen time (ST) on digital devices has increased in recent decades due to digital development. Furthermore, constant engagement with digital devices alters sleep patterns, leading to nocturnal eating behaviour among users. These phenomena are therefore of great concern, as digital device addiction and night eating are associated with unhealthy food intake, increasing the metabolic syndrome (MetS) risks. The purpose of this review was to examine the evidence of the influence of ST and night eating behaviour (NEB) on dietary intake and its association with MetS based on previous literature. Prolonged ST and NEB have an association with excessive intake of energy from overconsumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods. However, the relationship between digital content and its influence on food intake is inconsistent. A higher MetS risk was found in individuals with longer ST due to a sedentary lifestyle, while positive energy balance and a shift in circadian rhythm contributed to night eaters. ST and NEB presented with a significant influence on food intake in adults. Additionally, unhealthy food intake due to excessive consumption of empty-calorie foods such as sweet and fatty foods due to addiction to electronic devices and eating at night has a detrimental effect on metabolic function. Therefore, improving food intake by reducing ST and night binges is essential to reduce the risk of MetS.

The Role of Social Media Advertisement and Physical Activity on Eating Behaviors among the General Population in Saudi Arabia

Over the past few decades, people in Saudi Arabia have become less inclined to adopt active lifestyles and healthy eating habits due to the increasing use of digital technologies such as social media. The objective of this online-based cross-sectional study was to assess the role of social media food advertisements and physical activity on eating behaviors among the general population in Saudi Arabia (n = 471). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which consisted of four parts: (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) attitude towards social media, (iii) eating behaviors-related information, and (iv) exposure to and engagement with social media advertisements. The study's outcome variable, eating behaviors (healthy vs. unhealthy), was assessed using the following question: "Are you on a healthy diet (such as a balanced diet, keto, or low carb)?" A multiple binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors that influence unhealthy eating behaviors. Approximately 79.6% of the participants had unhealthy eating behaviors. Participants who were not involved in daily physical activity were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors compared to their counterparts (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 4.86). Participants who watched food ads on social media channels 1-3 times a week (AOR = 2.58) or daily (AOR = 3.49) were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors than their counterparts. Participants whose appetite to try foods increases always (AOR = 1.42) or usually (AOR = 2.88) after viewing ads on social media were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors. These findings suggest that policymakers should take immediate action to regulate food advertising policy to promote a healthy food environment across the country. Saudis should be encouraged to engage in more physical activity, which could support the maintenance of healthy eating patterns and lifestyles.