A new type of website is cropping up on the Internet. Known as "Thinspo" (short for "Thinspiration"), these pro-ana (pro-anorexia) and pro-mia (pro-bulimia) websites provide various forms of inspiration and advice for girls and women to starve themselves. Inspirational messages come in the form of photo montages of super-skinny models, tips for tricking doctors at weigh-ins, drastic (and sometimes lethal) weight-loss strategies, and pro-anorexia rock anthems like Superchick's song "Courage."

The sites also promote links to video sites like youtube.com, where anorexic girls proudly post photos and videos of their emaciated forms. These glimpses of normal girls in the throes of extreme anorexia have been dubbed "Real Girl Thinspo" and are often accompanied by encouragement from posters and viewers, such as "starve on, skinny b*tches." Other sub-forms of Thinspo include Celebrity Thinspo and Bones Thinspo.

Anorexia nervosa has the highest fatality rate of any mental illness; about 1 in 5 people who develop the disorder die from it. In light of this, experts and government officials are registering alarm at the growing popularity of pro-anorexia websites. In April 2008, for example, the French government proposed making the incitement of eating disorders illegal and punishable by heavy fines. (Source: themedium.blogs.nytimes.com)

Labels: parents, influences, peers

Posted By: Aspen Education Group