Does Technology Affect Nutrition Education Perspectives?

Abstract

The importance of various prevention efforts, including implementing nutrition education especially among children and adolescents, is growing due to noncommunicable diseases like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes that are common among children and adults. Most studies conducted in the previous few decades have noted that using technology in learning environments—including computer-based software, web-based learning, and hardware—creates a remarkable learning and teaching environment. For health professionals like dietitians who provide nutrition education, the ease of data recording, easy transmission and re-accessibility increases the use of various technologies. These technologies present spesific challenges, such as rising costs, user information needs, and age-specific unsuitability. Wearable and artificial intelligence technologies allow individuals to be monitored instantly. With distance education technologies, the opportunity to reach experts regardless of time and place makes it easier to get the correct information. The use of photography and automatic recognition methods in determining the amount of food supports reaching accurate food consumption records. With systems where individuals can see and follow their own data, it becomes easier for individuals to monitor behavior changes. It is stated that, nutritional applications could be more effective when guidance is established based on the attitudes, students’ achievement, and experience. This review focused on the impacts of mobile and web-based nutrition education.