EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON EATING HABITS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This empirical study investigated the effects of social media use on the eating habits of university students. The study aimed to understand the patterns of social media usage among students in terms of frequency, duration, and preferred platforms, and to explore how social media influenced their attitudes towards food, perceptions of healthy eating, and engagement in unhealthy eating behaviors. A survey was conducted among a diverse sample of university students, and the data was analyzed using statistical methods. The results indicated that social media played a significant role in students' daily lives, with a majority of participants agreeing that it had a prominent presence and influenced their food choices. While social media provided a platform for discovering new food cultures, finding recipes, and promoting healthy eating, it also exposed students to unrealistic body image standards and sometimes led to unhealthy eating behaviors. The study recommends promoting digital
literacy and media literacy among students to help them critically evaluate the content they encounter on social media platforms. Additionally, educational interventions and awareness campaigns could focus on promoting positive body image and healthy eating habits, while addressing the negative impact of social media on eating behaviors. By understanding the effects of social media use on eating habits, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to promote healthy eating behaviors and well-being among university students.