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What could be the negative impact of excessive food photography on our eating habits?

Nadia Monkley

I think that excessive food photography can have a negative impact on our eating habits in several ways. Firstly, it can lead us to obsess over the appearance of our food rather than its taste or nutritional value. When we are constantly bombarded with images of perfectly presented dishes on social media, we may start to feel like the only way to enjoy a meal is if it looks just as good as it tastes. This can create unrealistic expectations and put unnecessary pressure on ourselves and others to create picture-perfect meals.

Secondly, food photography can also contribute to our tendency to overindulge. When we see pictures of mouth-watering desserts or decadent dishes, it can trigger cravings that are hard to resist. We may be more likely to order or prepare these types of foods even if we know they are not the healthiest choices. Additionally, constantly seeing images of food can desensitize us to the actual experience of eating. We may start to view food as a simple object to be photographed and shared rather than a source of sustenance and pleasure.

Thirdly, excessive food photography can also perpetuate harmful societal norms around body image and eating habits. Many social media influencers and bloggers promote restrictive diets or extreme workouts alongside their “perfect” food pictures. This can create unrealistic expectations for what a healthy lifestyle looks like and lead to feelings of guilt or shame around food choices. It can also be triggering for those with a history of disordered eating or body dysmorphia.

Finally, food photography can contribute to a culture of waste. When we focus solely on the appearance of food, it can lead us to throw away perfectly good meals that don't look “pretty” enough to photograph. We may also be more likely to order more food than we actually need in order to capture the perfect shot for our Instagram feed. This behavior is not only wasteful but it also contributes to systemic issues around food insecurity and sustainability.

Overall, I believe that food photography, like most things, is best enjoyed in moderation. While it can be fun and inspiring to share photos of delicious meals with friends and followers, we should be mindful of the potential negative impacts it can have on our relationship with food. Rather than obsessing over the appearance of our meals, we should focus on savoring the tastes and nutritional benefits of what we eat. And instead of comparing ourselves to the perfectly curated feeds of others, we should embrace our own unique tastes and preferences when it comes to food.