A large body of research has focused on understanding how online content and
disordered eating behaviors are associated. However, there is a lack of
comprehensive studies investigating digital food content’s influence on
individuals with eating disorders. We conducted two rounds of studies (N=23 and
22, respectively) with individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) or bulimia
nervosa (BN) to understand their motivations and practices of consuming digital
food content. Our study reveals that individuals with BED and BN anticipate
positive effects from food media to overcome their condition, but in practice,
it often exacerbates their disorder. We also discovered that many individuals
have experienced a cycle of quitting and returning to digital food content
consumption. Based on these findings, we articulate design implications for
digital food content and multimedia platforms to support vulnerable individuals
in everyday online platform interactions.
The Influence of Digital Food Content on Individuals with Eating Disorders
A growing body of research has explored the relationship between online content and disordered eating behaviors. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive studies specifically examining the impact of digital food content on individuals with eating disorders. In an effort to fill this gap, we conducted two rounds of studies with individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED) or bulimia nervosa (BN) to gain insights into their motivations and practices surrounding digital food content consumption.
Our findings shed light on the complex relationship between individuals with BED or BN and digital food content. Surprisingly, our study revealed that these individuals often anticipate positive outcomes from engaging with food media, seeing it as a potential tool to overcome their condition. However, the reality is quite different. In practice, most individuals found that consuming digital food content actually intensified their disorder, exacerbating their symptoms and triggering disordered eating behaviors.
A striking discovery was that many individuals experienced a cycle of quitting and returning to digital food content consumption. This finding suggests that the allure of food media is difficult to resist, despite its negative impact on their well-being. The cyclical nature of their engagement with digital food content highlights the persistent struggle faced by those with eating disorders when attempting to navigate online platforms.
These results have significant implications for the design and development of digital food content and multimedia platforms. Specifically, they call for the implementation of strategies aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals in their everyday interactions on online platforms.
Given the multi-disciplinary nature of this research, its implications extend beyond the scope of eating disorders and shed light on broader concepts within multimedia information systems, animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities. Understanding how individuals interact with digital food content can inform the development of more holistic and inclusive multimedia platforms that cater to a diverse user base.
Implications for Multimedia Information Systems
The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering the potential negative impact of digital food content on individuals with eating disorders within the field of multimedia information systems. Researchers and developers must be mindful of the potential harm that certain types of content can cause, especially when targeting vulnerable populations. By implementing safeguards and guidelines that promote the creation and consumption of healthier food media, multimedia information systems can contribute to better user experiences and foster a more positive online environment.
Significance for Animations, Artificial Reality, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Realities
The study’s insights also have implications for the fields of animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities. These mediums offer unique opportunities to engage users and provide immersive experiences. However, they also possess the potential to influence individuals’ perceptions of food and body image. By incorporating responsible design principles and considering the impact of animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities on individuals with eating disorders, developers can create more inclusive and empowering experiences that promote positive mental health and well-being.
In conclusion, our study highlights the detrimental effects of digital food content on individuals with binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa. It underscores the importance of understanding the motivations and practices surrounding their consumption of food media. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for designers, developers, and researchers in multimedia information systems, animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities to collaborate to create platforms that support vulnerable individuals in their online interactions.