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. 2021 Aug 2:12:641919.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.641919. eCollection 2021.

The Relationship Between SNS Usage and Disordered Eating Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis

Juan Zhang  1   2 , Yihui Wang  1   2 , Qianru Li  1   2 , Chenggang Wu  3
Affiliations

The Relationship Between SNS Usage and Disordered Eating Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis

Juan Zhang et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) are common tools with which modern people share their lives and establish social relationships. However, some studies have found SNSs to be associated with eating disorders, although other have identified no connection between the two. To explore the interaction between SNSs and eating disorder behaviors, this study aimed to comprehensively synthesize previous studies using meta-analysis methods. Based on selection criteria, there were 87 effect sizes from 22 studies. After analysis using a three-level random-effects meta-analysis model, a positive correlation between the use of SNSs and irregular eating behaviors was found, r = 0.09 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.11; p < 0.001). In addition, by analyzing potential moderators, body mass index (r = -0.032; 95% CI: -0.058, -0.006; p = 0.019), survey methods, and sample sources was discovered could alter the relationship between SNSs and disordered eating behaviors. Specifically, there was a significantly larger association between SNSs results obtained by paper and pencil surveys and disordered eating behaviors (r = 0.114; 95% CI: 0.081, 0.147; p < 0.001) than that between SNSs results obtained by online surveys and disordered eating behaviors (r = -0.055; 95% CI: -0.102, -0.007; p < 0.01). University students showed a larger correlation between SNSs and disordered eating behavior than other samples (r = 0.089; 95% CI: 0.049, 0.129; p < 0.001). Overall, this meta-analysis confirms that the excessive use of SNSs is associated with an increased risks of disordered eating behaviors. It is hoped that this study can provide a reference for the management and intervention of dietary behaviors related to social networks in the future.

Keywords: BMI; disordered eating behaviors; eating disorder; social media; social networking sites.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The Reviewer XX declared a shared affiliation with several of the authors, JZ, YW, and QL, to the handling editor at time of review.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flowchart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Baujat plot. Notes: each number represents one study included in this research.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot for all samples. Notes: The horizontal lines show 95% confidence interval; the diamond represents the point estimate and confidence interval of the pooled effect size.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Funnel plot. Notes: Black circles are the studies included in the meta-analysis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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