Pro-Eating Disorder Communities Find New Spaces Online

Pro-anorexia content is spreading on all social media platforms, but on X it is thriving. So-called “pro-ana” communities, which attract tens of thousands of users, circulate photos glorifying thinness and promote unhealthy dieting advice, which is then amplified through algorithmic recommendations. Although some tech companies have attempted to curb this issue, the rollback of content moderation efforts following Elon Musk’s acquisition of X has allowed this harmful content to grow “out of control” according to The Atlantic’s Kaitlyn Tiffany. We’ll talk about the impacts on adolescents and get advice for parents and caregivers.

Guests:

Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, psychologist, specializes in eating disorders, anxiety, and relationship issues

Kaitlyn Tiffany, staff writer covering internet culture and technology, The Atlantic

Kristina Lerman, senior principal scientist at the Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California

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