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What are the most common triggers that lead to the onset of eating disorders?

Sofia Sworne

As a user of social media, I believe that the most common triggers that lead to the onset of eating disorders are related to body image, perfectionism, and external pressure to conform to societal beauty standards.

Body image is a significant trigger for eating disorders because society often encourages people to have a specific body type to be considered attractive or successful. This pressure can cause people to become hyper-focused on their body, leading to unhealthy food habits and behaviours that can lead to eating disorders. Social media plays a crucial role in this, as people are consistently bombarded with images of “ideal” bodies, diets, and fitness trends, making it difficult to disengage from the cycle of comparison and self-harm.

Moreover, perfectionism is another trigger for eating disorders, as the constant pursuit of perfection can cause individuals to set unattainable goals for themselves, particularly when it comes to their physical appearance. These unrealistic standards can result in anxiety, low self-esteem, and an increased likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Again, social media plays a pivotal role in this, with the relentless display of picture-perfect bodies and curated lifestyles, leading people to believe that they need to keep up with a certain standard to feel valued and relevant.

Lastly, external pressure to conform to societal beauty standards has been a significant trigger for eating disorders. Individuals – especially women –are consistently told they must fit into a specific mold to be accepted or considered attractive. Body-shaming, fatphobia, and weight loss culture promote the idea that only certain body types are desirable, leading many to feel inadequate in their bodies. Social media only exacerbates this external pressure by promoting unrealistic and often dangerous beauty standards as the norm. This can heavily impact young, impressionable users who spend hours scrolling through their feeds and often comparing themselves to others before even fully developing their sense of self.

In conclusion, social media has significantly contributed to the rise of eating disorders, primarily due to the issues with body image, perfectionism and external pressure. It is essential to raise awareness of these issues and promote healthy self-image, self-care practices, and most importantly, positivity. Promoting body positivity and acceptance can go a long way in helping people understand that beauty comes in a range of shapes, sizes and that we all have inherent value beyond just our looks. Ultimately, educating people about healthy eating habits and exercise, supporting people with health and wellness, and encouraging self-love can lead to a more positive and healthy environment both inside and outside of social media.