The Rise of #SkinnyTok: Disordered Eating in the Social Media Age

In recent months, TikTok has taken steps to ban the hashtag #SkinnyTok, a trend that many believe dangerously promotes disordered eating among young people. Despite these efforts, the phenomenon persists, as influencers continue to repackage harmful practices under the guise of health and wellness. This article explores the implications of #SkinnyTok on public health and the challenges in regulating such content on social media platforms.

The term #SkinnyTok refers to a community on TikTok where influencers encourage extreme dieting and body standards. This trend has roots tracing back to earlier eras of pro-eating disorder content, such as the mid-1990s appearance of the 'heroin chic' model look exemplified by British supermodel Kate Moss. In the early 2000s, platforms like Tumblr fostered similar trends through posts that glamorized anorexia and bulimia. Today, influencers like Liv Schmidt are at the forefront of #SkinnyTok, promoting dangerously low-calorie diets and lifestyle changes that can lead to serious health risks.

According to Ms. Johanna Kandel, founder of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, the uptick in calls referencing #SkinnyTok to her organization’s hotline began in winter 2024. In fact, her organization reports that one in five calls has mentioned the hashtag, indicating a significant public health concern. Many callers, often young individuals, either reported a resurgence of past eating disorders or were drawn to the trend in hopes of improving their health, only to find themselves in harmful mental spaces.

Despite TikTok’s ban on the hashtag, influencers have adapted by migrating their audiences to other platforms, such as Instagram, where they continue to disseminate harmful content. Schmidt, for example, saw her follower count jump from 67,000 to over 320,000 after her TikTok ban. She charges users for access to motivational group chats, which have reportedly included numerous high school students, raising concerns over the ethical implications of monetizing disordered eating.

The algorithmic nature of social media exacerbates the issue, as it delivers content promoting unhealthy body standards directly to users. This phenomenon was highlighted by Amanda Raffoul, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, who noted that increased online activity correlates with poor body image and negative thoughts about appearance. A 2023 review published in the Journal of Eating Disorders found that social media often leads to peer comparisons and the internalization of a 'thin' ideal, contributing to body image anxiety and disordered eating behaviors.

Moreover, the challenges faced by social media companies in policing this content raise questions about their responsibility in safeguarding young users. While some measures have been taken, many argue that these efforts fall short of adequately addressing the root of the problem. The nuanced nature of content that promotes disordered eating—often disguised as fitness or wellness—makes it particularly difficult to regulate effectively.

Influencers like Kate Glavan, who openly discuss their experiences with disordered eating, highlight the complexity of this issue. She pointed out the pervasive body image struggles among women and the dangers of turning to influencers for guidance instead of medical professionals. This sentiment is echoed by experts who warn of the dangers of misinformation spread by social media influencers, particularly in a climate where young people increasingly distrust traditional avenues of medical advice.

The implications of the #SkinnyTok trend extend beyond individual health, affecting societal perceptions of body image and wellness. The normalization of restrictive eating practices can create an environment where disordered eating becomes a common coping mechanism for young individuals grappling with body image issues.

As the prevalence of social media continues to rise, the need for critical discussions surrounding its impact on mental health becomes ever more urgent. Encouraging young people to engage critically with what they see online and providing them with the tools to navigate these influences safely could be vital in combating the harmful effects of trends like #SkinnyTok. Research suggests that reducing time spent on social media can improve body image among adolescents, making it essential for parents and educators to foster healthier online habits.

In conclusion, while the banning of hashtags like #SkinnyTok may represent a step toward combating disordered eating, the persistence of such trends highlights the ongoing challenges that social media companies face in protecting vulnerable populations. As influencers continue to promote harmful body ideals, stakeholders must prioritize the mental health of young users and strive for a more comprehensive approach to regulating online content.