It starts with a quick scroll on your phone. Maybe you’re just killing time between classes or winding down before bed. But before you know it, you’re knee-deep in selfies, gym pics, “what I eat in a day” videos, and unrealistic body goals. You start comparing — your face, your body, your lifestyle — to people who seem perfect online.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Social media is a big part of teenage life, but it can also feed negative thoughts about food, body image, and self-worth. In this blog, we’re breaking down how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can quietly fuel eating disorders — and what you can do to protect your mental health.

The Comparison Trap Is Real

Social media thrives on “highlight reels” — the best angles, perfect lighting, edited bodies, and filters. It’s not reality, but it feels real when you’re scrolling nonstop.

You might start thinking:

“Why doesn’t my body look like that?”
“Should I be eating less?”
“Am I not working hard enough?”

These thoughts can spiral quickly and lead to restrictive eating, over-exercising, or body obsession.

“Social media doesn’t cause eating disorders by itself, but it can trigger or worsen them by normalising harmful beauty standards and diet culture.”

— Dr. Rachel Rodgers, Clinical Psychologist and body image researcher at Northeastern University

“Fitspiration” And Diet Culture Disguised As Health

Some posts might look like they’re about being “healthy” — workout routines, calorie tracking, or transformation photos — but they can promote harmful behaviours.

Especially when influencers say things like:

“No excuses.”
“Just 1,200 calories a day!”
“Summer body loading…”

What they don’t show is the damage this mindset can do — physically, emotionally, and socially.

Algorithms Shows You More Of What Hurts You

If you click on a few weight loss tips or body transformation videos, guess what? The algorithm starts feeding you more of it.

Soon your feed is packed with:

Unrealistic “body goals”
Extreme diet hacks
Triggering content around eating or fasting

It becomes hard to escape — and you may not even realise how much it's shaping your self-image.

FOMO And Feeling “Not Enough”

Watching others live their “best lives” while you feel stuck in your own struggles can create a toxic combo of FOMO (fear of missing out) and self-hate.

You might start skipping meals or avoiding social events because you’re uncomfortable in your own skin. Eating disorders often thrive in this space of self-doubt and shame.

Taking Back Control

Social media doesn't have to be the enemy. You can take steps to protect your mental health:

Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about your body
Follow creators who promote body positivity and mental health awareness
Set screen time limits
Talk to someone if you’re struggling — a friend, a parent, or a counsellor

Final Thought

It’s easy to forget that what you see online is curated — filtered, edited, and designed to get attention. But you’re more than likes, abs, or what you ate today.

Your worth isn’t measured in body fat, follower count, or food choices.

If social media is making you feel “less than,” it’s okay to take a step back. Prioritise your mental health. And remember: real connection, healing, and confidence start offline.