Does social media influence our food choices?

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Social Media Use Appears to Influence Food Choices

New research from Aston University suggests that individuals' perceptions of their social media peers' eating habits can significantly influence their own food consumption. The study found that participants tended to increase their intake of both healthy and unhealthy foods based on what they believed their friends were consuming online. These findings provide initial evidence that online social circles may shape dietary behaviours.
Healthy Food Consumption Increases with Perceived Peer Intake

The study revealed a direct correlation between participants' perceived consumption of fruits and vegetables by their Facebook friends and their own intake. For every portion of fruits and vegetables participants believed their friends were eating, they consumed an additional fifth of a portion themselves. If participants thought their friends were meeting the recommended 'five a day' target for fruits and vegetables, they were inclined to consume an extra portion themselves.
Unhealthy Food Consumption Rises Based on Social Media Perceptions

Conversely, the research also indicated that social media perceptions impact the consumption of less healthy options. Participants increased their intake of energy-dense snacks and sugary drinks by one portion for every three portions they perceived their social media peers to be consuming. This suggests a potential for a one-third increase in junk food consumption if individuals believe their online friends are engaging in such habits.
Perceptions May Stem from Online Posts or General Impressions

Researchers posit that these perceptions of friends' eating habits could originate from direct posts on social media platforms detailing food and drink consumption, or from more general impressions of a friend's overall health and lifestyle. The study's lead, PhD student Lily Hawkins, noted that individuals might subconsciously adjust their own food choices based on the observed behaviours of their peers within their online social circles.
No Significant Link Found Between Habits and BMI in This Study

Despite the observed influence on eating habits, the study did not find a significant link between participants' dietary behaviours and their Body Mass Index (BMI). However, the researchers acknowledged that further investigation over a longer duration would be necessary to explore this aspect more thoroughly. The findings offer the first evidence suggesting that online social networks could be a factor in shaping dietary patterns.

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Does social media influence our food choices?

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