Thinspiration: new media's influence on girls with eating disorders

The use of thinspiration and social networking by girls with eating disorders on social media websites and through user-generated content aids the disease in general. The purpose of this research exploration is to find out how influential these specific forms of new media are on girls with eating disorders. A content analysis will serve as the primary quantitative measure for this study. A survey, via SurveyMonkey.com, will be used to find what kind of impact new media has on girls with eating disorders. The researcher will also conduct a personal interview with an expert in the field of psychology and eating disorders. Thinspiration and eating disorder communities on social media websites are a harmful thing to girls. Although they may not encourage the development of eating disorders, they certainly aid the disorders in general. They provide unhealthy support, tips and motivation to girls to continue with their disordered eating behaviors. The research shows that these girls feel worse about themselves when they view thinspiration. This type of material makes them want to harm their bodies even more than they already are in hopes of becoming thinner and thinner. By linking together with other girls in the communities, these girls receive an unhealthy type of support. They help each other to fall deeper into their disorders.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Public Relations

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Public Relations/Advertising

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Stonebridge, Victoria

Contributors dc:contributor

• FitzGerald, Suzanne

• Eating disorders in adolescence; Social media
• Public Relations and Advertising

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/29

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1028