Young people, parents, and experts are becoming increasingly concerned about a reported rise in harmful weight loss videos being created, shared, and promoted on TikTok.
In addition to these concerns, TikTok has also come under fire regarding pro-anorexia and 'thinspo' videos being promoted as recommended content for young and vulnerable users on their platform.
Eating disorder experts have warned of a potential rise in negative or harmful behaviors as a result of vulnerable users being triggered by weight loss content online. Users of the platform have reported seeing weight loss content being recommended through their 'For You' page, which uses algorithms designed to promote content based on your personal data and previous videos you have watched.
These videos depict potentially harmful content that has the ability to reinforce negative feelings, attitudes and behaviors in relation to body image, food and diet - to a vulnerable youth audience.
Amelia Trinick, National Eating Disorder Support Helpline
Many social media companies have experienced similar problems, including Yahoo, Instagram, Tumblr, and Reddit, who have all taken steps to remove harmful pro-anorexic content and implement policies to support users who are affected by eating disorders.
Eating disorder support group, the Butterfly Foundation, reported an increase in calls to their helpline since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and spoke of the unique challenges and potential triggers that people living with eating disorders face online, including how they have been affected by the lockdown.
TikTok has commented that it is highly unlikely that anyone not viewing content related to dieting would be served one of these recommended videos and that each user also has access to filtering and blocking tools that enable them to tailor their content and recommendations.
TikTok was built to provide a positive place for creativity, and we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our users. We care deeply about the complex and multi-faceted issue of eating disorders and are focused on expanding our partnerships, building upon our product, policies and protective measures to provide additional in-app resources for this community. Content that supports or encourages eating disorders is strictly against our Community Guidelines and will be removed.
Spokesperson, TikTok
The public availability of pro-anorexic content on social media poses a significant challenge, with more vulnerable users being at an increased risk. As TikTok grows in popularity, concerns remain as to how the platform will be able to adequately safeguard users through a combination of policies and safety tools in the future.