How to Safely Navigate Social Media & its Influencers

Social Media offers a streamline platform to distribute any and all information. However, social media is still a for profit organization, and we can often forget we are the customers. One of the biggest strengths of Influencers comes from their ability to make you feel like one of their close friends. Leading us to this feeling of friendship means we don’t believe they would advise us to do anything that could lead to potential harm or damage.

It’s not to say all influencers have ill intentions or mean to deceive their followers, but it’s important to be active followers. Being an active follower means being aware of the effect the content you are consuming has one you. The validity and long term health repercussions must also be considered. As discussed in earlier posts, diets fail in the long run, and that should be a red flag from any influencer. 

One of the guiding principles from Intuitive eating is acknowledging the motivation behind your food choices. This can be translated into the media we consume. Deciphering whether you are following an influencer to inspire a variety of movement and food to incorporate, not mimic identically, or to unconsciously use it as a tool for comparison can be hard. Using influencers as a tool isn’t inherently bad, but our motivations behind why we are following them are important to understand for ourselves.

In the same way we can check in with our body regarding our hunger cues, we can check in with ourselves regarding those we are allowing to “influence” us. It’s important to consider the qualifications of those distributing or promoting a “healthy lifestyle.” Remember, in the United States a verified account is simply verification that the individual is who they claim to be, not that the information they are spreading is verified or backed by experts. Although “healthy lifestyle” appears to have a universal meaning, it’s influenced by environment, culture, and history. A healthy lifestyle has a more fluid definition and is highly individualized. 

A study conducted in the UK found that influencers “were inadequately qualified and presented opinion as fact, and were contrary to nutritional guidelines.” 

Once we are sure the reason we are seeking out influencers isn’t as a point of comparison or self sabotage, the easily available content can help add variety into our life. Including variety comes from the final principle of Intuitive Eating. 

Here are ways to ensure you’re using the tool of an influencer to add to your life not diminish your self worth. 

Watching “what I eat in a day videos:” these can be used to help give you new recipe ideas. However, it’s important to know that these videos can be triggering for those recovering from an eating disorder or trigger disordered eating behaviors. It is also important to recognize that your needs are unique to you - eating more than what an influencer shares does NOT mean you are eating too much. 

Trying a new workout routine: incorporating movement you enjoy and makes your body feel good. If you’re only doing an exercise, you hate and makes you feel bad, in hopes of achieving the “hard core abs” the influencer promises, your mindset should be refocused.

Anything detox: your body naturally does this. No tea, elixir, smoothie bowl, or health shot, makes any influencer look the way they do. Your body has some pretty amazing organs who do a spectacular job of detoxing all by themselves. 

These are personal pages: all social media accounts of influencers are personal pages and they have the right to post their views and opinions. But they aren’t always backed by research or credit. Be sure to be your own advocate before making drastic changes.

Social media should be a place to inspire, feel good, and enjoy. As soon as that changes, think about the messages you’re consuming. Make sure to check in with the Intuitive Eating principles and ensure you’re feeling good. At the end of the day, social media can be turned of as easily it can be turned on. It doesn’t dictate our life and influencers are just a person you might potentially recognize on the street. You’re the most important influence on your own life. You have the brain and heart to make decisions best for you. 

PIECE WRITTEN BY: KAYLA PAYETTE

I'm a recent UNR alum with a degree in Journalism. I'm going back to get a masters in dietetics in hopes of becoming a Registered Dietitian. Food and words connect people and I hope to use both of these and connect with people. I have a passion for eating, learning, and my dog Suki. I'm excited to keep learning and helping others.

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Written by Danielle Musto

Hey there, I’m Danielle! HSH’s Office Manager and RD-to-be! I love food, fitness and having fun with both. I’m super excited to be here with you sharing all the ways I love to make food FUN!

Learn more about me and the HSH offerings here.