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KQED's Forum

Pro-Eating Disorder Communities Find New Spaces Online

Jan 6, 2025
Caitlin Tiffany, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in internet culture, and Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, a psychologist focused on eating disorders, explore the disturbing rise of pro-eating disorder communities on social media, particularly on X. They discuss how minimal content moderation allows harmful narratives to thrive, impacting adolescents. Topics include the normalization of toxic behaviors through algorithm-driven feeds, the need for better support systems for those affected, and the complexities of addressing body image issues in an increasingly digital world.
57:46

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Quick takeaways

  • The rollback of content moderation on X has allowed pro-eating disorder communities to flourish, posing serious risks to vulnerable individuals.
  • Echo chambers within these communities reinforce disordered eating habits, making it increasingly difficult for members to seek healthy recovery resources.

Deep dives

The Rise of Pro-Eating Disorder Communities

Communities that celebrate eating disorders have gained traction, particularly on platforms like X, formerly Twitter. These communities often encourage users to engage in disordered eating behaviors rather than promoting recovery, creating an environment that enables harmful practices. Users share extreme dieting tips and participate in 'meanspo,' critiquing each other's bodies to inflict negative feelings that may lead to further restriction. The lack of effective content moderation on X has allowed these communities to flourish, posing significant risks to vulnerable individuals.

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