Adolescents' Food Communication in Social Media

Abstract

Social media is ubiquitous in the lives of adolescents. Social media permits users to upload and share contents pertinent to health such as food and nutrition communications. Studies show that the dissemination and sharing of food content is prevalent in these channels. Not only do messages of food serve a symbolic purpose in these online platforms, but this communication might also affect adolescents in both positive and negative ways in regards to health. Visual food messages can affect brain areas associated with appetite and influence dietary behaviors among adolescents similar to advertisements. The objective with this chapter is to elucidate the complex and interwoven relationship between food and nutrition, social media, and adolescents from a health communication perspective. The chapter draws upon empirical studies and results, as well as related conceptual literature. Methodological and theoretical explanations are discussed as well as practical implications. Future research directions are also outlined.