Exposure to Instagram junk food content negatively impacts mood and cravings in young adults: A randomized controlled trial.
Appetite
; 195: 107209, 2024 04 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38228246
ABSTRACT
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 (T1). After a 1-week washout period (T2), participants browsed the other account type followed by the same short survey as in T1. 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.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Medios de Comunicación Sociales
/
Insatisfacción Corporal
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
Límite:
Adult
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Appetite
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido