Exposure to Instagram junk food content negatively impacts mood and cravings in young adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Autor: Zeeni N; Lebanese American University, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon. Electronic address: nadine.zeeni@lau.edu.lb., Abi Kharma J; Lebanese American University, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon., Malli D; Lebanese American University, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon., Khoury-Malhame M; Lebanese American University, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon., Mattar L; Lebanese American University, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences, PO Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Appetite [Appetite] 2024 Apr 01; Vol. 195, pp. 107209. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jan 14.
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107209
Abstrakt: Exposure to different types of images on social media is known to affect physical and mental wellbeing including changes in perception of body image (BI) and dietary behavior. The present study aimed to assess the effects of junk food-related Instagram content exposure on body image, overall mood, and cravings in young adults. A randomized crossover experimental design was used. After filling out a baseline survey, participants (n = 63, aged 18-24) browsed either a control Instagram account feed or an account rich in junk food images during 15 min. They then filled a short survey evaluating their state BI, mood, and cravings (T 1 ). After a 1-week washout period (T2), participants browsed the other account type followed by the same short survey as in T 1 . Results showed that exposure to junk food content was associated with increased feelings of hunger, stress, sadness, and exhaustion, in addition to higher salty, savory, and fatty food cravings. Moreover, participants showed higher desire for junk food and lower desire for healthy food items from a virtual food tray after junk food content exposure. There was no impact of content type on state BI dissatisfaction. In conclusion, exposure to junk-food related content on social media negatively affects mood and cravings, subsequently influencing food choices. The present findings shed light on the need for interventions aimed at providing cognitive and emotional competencies for enhancing media literacy and promoting mindful social media use.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no conflict of interest.
(Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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