Orthorexia nervosa and social media: A mixed-methods scoping review using a systematic methodology

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Public Health
• Media Studies

Background:

• Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) involves obsessive adherence to a perceived healthy diet, leading to psychological distress.
• Social media platforms may exacerbate ON by increasing exposure to diet and fitness content.
• The relationship between social media exposure and ON requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping search of existing literature on the relationship between social media and Orthorexia Nervosa.
• To synthesize findings regarding the nature of this association.

Main Methods:

• Searched major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Embase) and grey literature repositories.
• Included studies published between 2017 and 2024, with an update search in September 2024.
• Narratively synthesized findings from 31 identified studies, focusing on social media platform, duration, and content.

Main Results:

• A bidirectional relationship exists between ON and social media use.
• Factors influencing this relationship include image-based platforms, longer duration of use, diet/fitness content, and individual characteristics like young age and body dissatisfaction.
• The majority of studies were cross-sectional and focused on Western populations.

Conclusions:

• Significant research gaps include the lack of experimental and longitudinal studies, limited research in non-Western populations, and insufficient investigation into developmental pathways.
• Future research should incorporate experimental, longitudinal, and qualitative designs to deepen understanding of ON and social media.
• Systematic review registered on Open Science Framework (OSF).