Determining the Approaches to Nutrition Posts on Social Media: Trends in Young Adults

Abstract

Aim: Social media is a very popular communication channel in the world and provide information about many topics. Food and nutrition are frequently shared topics on social media. This study evaluated the effects of social media on nutrition. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were filled in by asking questions to the participants through a face-to-face interview. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ankara/Turkey. For this study, 4400 individuals, aged between 19-45, were randomly selected. Results: It was determined that 93.9% of the participants were using social media and 26.8% of the participants followed dietary posts and 2% of the participants used an online diet. 18.3% of the participants applied the healthy recipes they reached through social media. When the participants were classified according to body mass index (BMI) classification, it was seen that those who have a BMI below 25 kg/m2 have a higher rate of social media use and following dietary post. Online diet usage was found significantly higher in individuals with a BMI above 25 kg/m2. Conclusion: It was observed that following dietary posts and applying healthy recipes on social media are quite high in participants. For this reason, it is important to follow the experts and obtain correct information about food and nutrition through social media.