Effect of social media addiction on eating behavior, body weight and life satisfaction during pandemic period

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between social media addiction and eating behavior, eating disorder risk, body weight and life satisfaction in university students during pandemic period.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consists of 1,411 university students. Data were collected using online questionnaire and Scale of Social Media Usage Motives, Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), SCOFF Eating Disorders Scale and Life Assessment Scale were used in the study.FindingsOf the participants, 79.7% had different levels of social media addiction. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) values of those with high social media addiction were significantly higher than those in the non- and low-addicted group (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship between social media addiction and duration of social media use, social media addiction and emotional and external eating behaviors and a negative relationship between social media addiction and life satisfaction (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in eating disorder risk according to social media addiction groups (p = 0.823). Individuals in the nonaddicted social media group had the highest Life Assessment Scale score (p < 0.01).Originality/valueSocial media addiction was prevalent among university students, and it was related to BMI, eating behavior and life satisfaction. It is necessary to be more careful in the use of social media, which has increased in the pandemic period. Trainings to reduce the use of social media can positively affect eating behavior and contribute to the prevention of obesity and increasing life satisfaction.

Impact of Physical Activity and Bio-Psycho-Social Factors on Social Network Addiction and Gender Differences in Spanish Undergraduate Education Students

“…Al Saud et al [26] also demonstrated a positive relationship between social network addiction and body mass index in Saudi Arabian university students. Ayyıldız and Şahin [27] have also shown a positive relationship between both variables in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic period.…”

Towards Sustainable Food Systems: Exploring the impact of food allergies on health and well-being in university settings

“…Marketing strategies on these platforms often integrate with engaging and entertaining content, encouraging individuals to share these experiences with peers (Coates et al, 2019). However, the impact of social media and advertisements on the risk of developing adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including food allergies and overall well-being, may vary depending on the nutritional value of the products being promoted (Ayyıldız & Şahin, 2022).…”

Packaging customization in the Italian food industry. When is it really worth it?

“…We chose to include these two sections because the first is critical for the analysis, as it explores the research gaps examined in this study, while the second is particularly valuable because it both enriches our database and provides a deeper understanding of who our respondents are based on personal aspects such as gender, age, and place of residence. To make the questionnaire easier for participants to answer, and in line with previous research (Ayyıldız and S ¸ahin, 2022), a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) was used. The survey questions were tested by two academic experts with experience in customization research.…”