Scientists have determined the impact of social media on recovery after RPP

People recovering from eating disorders often turn to social media for support. However, recent research shows that these platforms can also steer users back to the content they are trying to avoid. This was reported on February 25 by Medical Xpress magazine.

The survey participants noted that they used social media to manage their mental state by subscribing to recovery-related accounts and blocking potentially harmful content. But even so, recommendation systems continued to display content related to weight loss, fitness, and appearance in their feeds.

According to the study, these publications often appear next to supportive materials, which makes it difficult for them to completely abandon such topics. Some respondents noted that such experiences contributed to slowing down the recovery process or reinforced unhealthy thinking patterns.

Observational studies have shown that exposure to idealized body images, healthy lifestyle content, and diets is associated with increased concerns about weight and appearance. It is clarified that the dynamics of the content consumption platform also plays a role. Recommendation systems determine what appears in a user's feed based on viewing and interaction patterns. Such an algorithm can enhance existing interests and vulnerabilities.

All nerves were eaten up: Russian schoolchildren began to suffer from anorexia and bulimia more often

Experts told us how to recognize RPP in a child.

The researchers also emphasize that users can fall into the so-called vicious circles of appearance-oriented content. For example, on visual platforms, repeated exposure to posts about dieting, beauty, and fitness can narrow users' viewing range instead of directing them to a wider range of publications of interest.

At the same time, other survey participants emphasized the positive role of social media in the recovery process. According to them, online content inspires confidence and provides access to experiences and points of view that are difficult to find in real life.

"We argue that our research shows that attempts to make the online space safer should go beyond simply determining who has access to social media. These efforts should take into account how content is selected and distributed, as platform design and recommendation systems seem to play an important role in shaping content accessibility," the authors argue.

Psychotherapist, founder of the International Institute of Psychosomatic Health (IIPH) Sergey Egorovich Martynov, in an interview with Izvestia on February 12, spoke about the consequences of comparing oneself with others. The specialist stressed that this can lead to internal conflicts, including self-depreciation and discomfort, as well as cause depression.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.