Scientists in Australia have found that even briefly watching TikTok videos can negatively impact women's self-image and potentially lead to eating disorders. The results of the study, conducted by specialists from Charles Sturt University, were published in the journal Plos One, reports snob.ru.
The experiment involved 273 women aged 18 to 28 years. They were divided into two groups: one watched videos about fitness and weight loss, the other watched neutral content about nature, cooking and animals. Each viewing session lasted about 7-8 minutes.
The study found that both groups experienced a decrease in body image after watching the video. A particularly strong negative effect was observed among those who watched content about weight loss.
Scientists propose tightening restrictions on TikTok content related to eating disorders. Despite the current ban on searching using the hashtag “#anorexia,” users are finding ways to circumvent these restrictions.