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Katya Jaski, a 13-year-old girl, was scrolling through TikTok, a social media platform, when she came across a page that promoted eating disorders. 

The page featured influencers struggling with eating disorders who would share unhealthy weight-loss tips, actively encourage the audience to lose weight, and post dangerously triggering pictures of their extremely thin bodies.

Not long after encountering this content, Jaski was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. 

The relentless exposure to such material fueled her obsession with weight loss, as she began to associate thinness with online approval.

“I quickly learnt that the more malnourished I was, the more likes on my photos I received, which reinforced my own thoughts that the sicker I was, the better,” Jaski said.

Social media platforms like TikTok are designed to promote content that aligns with a user’s viewing habits.

After Jaski engaged with one harmful video, her feed became saturated with similar content.

This created an echo chamber of toxic posts that continuously encouraged her disordered eating behaviors.

Across the globe, teenagers are being exposed to influencers who present highly idealized body types. 

Many use editing tools and filters to create unrealistic standards of beauty. 

As a result, young users may come to believe that their natural bodies are not good enough. 

The National Eating Disorders Association reports that social media use has been increasing in content that promotes eating disorders among teenagers. 

Research indicates that exposure to weight focused content can lead to dangerous dieting habits.

Jaski’s health deteriorated rapidly. 

She was eventually hospitalized for severe malnutrition, suffering from extreme fatigue, persistent dizziness, and difficulty concentrating in school due to lack of proper nutrition. 

Her recovery took months of therapy, medical treatment, and support from her family. 

“The trauma I received from enduring over three years of treatment from anorexia is something I will have to carry with me for the rest of my life.” she said.

Now 16, Jaski is using her experience to raise awareness about the dark sides of social media and eating disorders. 

She shares her recovery journey on platforms like Instagram and Youtube, hoping to steer others away from similar struggles.

Jaski also has started working with organizations that support individuals struggling with eating disorders. 

Through school events, online discussions, and community outreach, she educates young people on recognizing toxic social media content and developing a healthier mindset about body images. 

Experts emphasize that parents must take an active role in monitoring their children’s online activities.

At the same time, social media platforms have a responsibility to eliminate content that promotes disordered eating.

Teenagers must understand that social media often presents a distorted version of reality.

Developing strong self-worth, independent of online validation, is a powerful defense against eating disorders.

While apps like TikTok can provide entertainment and connection, they also carry risks.

Schools should also take on the responsibility of teaching media literacy. 

Empowering youth with confidence and critical thinking can help protect them from the harmful influence of unrealistic online standards.