Tens of millions of young people have Facebook accounts. They post status and relationship updates, share funny videos and upload pictures. Some, however, have second – secret – accounts where the videos are about weight loss and the pictures are “thinspiring.”
“There seems to be a Facebook group for every sub-section of disordered eater: Ana/Mia Anonymous (‘mia’ is the ‘cute’ short-form of bulimia); I’m Not Anorexic, I Just Only Eat on Tuesday; and Christians with Eating Disorders.” [Source: CanWest News Service]
Unfortunately, these groups don’t encourage people to get help for their eating disorders. Rather, they encourage people to embrace their dangerous, sometimes deadly habits. Parents are encouraged to keep an eye on their kids’ Internet activities and start asking questions if they notice something unusual or potentially dangerous.
Labels: pro-anorexia, internet, pro-bulimia, social networks
Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton