Facebook usage has been linked to low self-image and has been named a factor to developing eating disorders, according to a recent public survey. The survey was conducted by the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt in Maryland among a sample audience of 600 Facebook users ages 16 to 40.
"People are now constantly aware of their appearance, thanks to Facebook," Steven Crawford, associate director at the center, told TechNewsDaily. "A common reaction is, 'I need to be thinner' And it's that kind of thinking that can lead to hazardous dieting."
The survey showed an astounding 75 percent of Facebook users are uncomfortable with their own weight and an additional 51 percent of the people said that Facebook photos of themselves made them even more aware of their body size. Even more devastating, nearly 1 in 3 Facebook users said they when compared pictures of themselves to pictures of their friends, they felt sad. Forty four percent wished they had the same body or weight as a friend on Facebook.
I believe that this survey is really just touching the surface of this issue. Young or vulnerable people log onto Facebook several times a day, only perpetuating their insecurities. I will be interested to see what other results will come from similar studies.
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