Social media users who view images of healthy foods heavily endorsed with "likes" are more likely to make healthier food choices, a new study finds. The study, conducted by psychologists at Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences, found that study participants who viewed highly liked Instagram posts of fruits and vegetables ate a significantly higher proportion of grapes than cookies, with grape consumption 14 percent more calories increased, compared to those who viewed high-calorie foods.
The study examined the acute effect of socially supported social media posts on participants' eating behavior. The 169 participants, who had an average age of 21 (but total ages in the group ranged from 18 to 48), were asked to view fake Instagram posts of various foods, which received either a few or many 'likes'. ', and later access grapes and cookies to consume.
In addition to looking at images of fruits and vegetables, participants also looked at less nutritious foods such as cakes and cookies, and non-food images such as stylish interior designs. However, the researchers found that the participants consumed a higher proportion of grapes after viewing much-loved images of fruits and vegetables, compared to the other images.
Aston University psychology doctoral student Lily Hawkins, who led the study with supervisor Dr Jason Thomas, said:
“The study's findings suggest that not only exposure to images of healthy food on social media, but also images that are also strongly endorsed with 'likes' may encourage people to eat more healthy foods rather than less nutritious foods. ”
“What we see others approve of and post about food on social media can influence our actual eating behavior and result in greater consumption of healthier meals and snacks.”
“One reason for this may be that thinking that others 'like' and eat fruits and vegetables prompts participants to change their behavior to conform to what they consider to be the norm.”
The study's findings suggest that social media could be used in the future as a way to encourage healthier eating — by encouraging users to follow more social media accounts that are highly positive about balanced messages, which also include healthier foods. contain.
Professor Claire Farrow, director of Aston University's Applied Health Research Group, added:
“We know that social interactions can strongly influence what, when and how much we eat. These findings highlight the important role social media plays in shaping those influences online.”
“The findings suggest that not only do people passively view information about what other people eat online, but that this digital information can shape our food preferences and choices, especially when we think many other people like certain foods. It is promising that exposure to healthy foods, and similar foods, was associated with increased intake of healthy foods.”
