Fitness

YouTube is cracking down on weight-loss recommendations and fitness videos for teenagers – but wider change is needed

YouTube restricts youth exposure to exercise and weight-related videos to protect their health. This means that the platform’s algorithm will no longer provide repetitive content recommendations aimed at achieving certain body standards or weight, or lifting certain body parts.

This can include exercises that involve going for a certain look, and videos that improve aspects of beauty – such as “how to get a razor sharp”. At the same time, YouTube places restrictions on promoting content that “shows violence and threats” for people under the age of 18.

But these changes aren’t stopping young people from seeking out and viewing such content in the first place – and they may not be enough to make meaningful change.

Social media is a central part of youth culture. They have the power to shape ideas about appearance, health, fitness and lifestyle. Their vast array of appearance-related videos can put a lot of pressure on young people, bombarding them with all kinds of content that promotes unrealistic and often unattainable body standards.

Part of the algorithm

Research has found that exposure to appearance-related content on social media is associated with body dissatisfaction and increased engagement in restrictive eating behaviors.

Such content can be difficult to escape as algorithms are built to constantly push it to users, even as young people are looking for good, less harmful content. It can create a situation where young people’s curiosity can quickly turn into dangerous feelings – related to consequences.

For a channel that watches a “day of exercise” video, for example, the algorithm will provide more weight-related content. From watching this one video, the algorithmic “rabbit hole” opens. For impressionable young people, this has the potential to worsen behavior and have harmful consequences.

YouTube’s ban on promoting this content goes some way to reducing the power of the algorithm. But despite the restrictions in place, there are still many types of exercise, beauty and weight-related activities available on the platform that may lead to dangerous body values. first. YouTube restrictions will also not prevent young people from being exposed to similar content on other platforms.

Body image and social media

Body dissatisfaction among young people is linked to depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Young people are at a critical stage of development where they are strongly influenced by social influences, so the content they see on social media can have a huge impact on how they view themselves.

The rise of social media and beauty influencers and all the videos about tough workout routines, “what I eat in a day” videos and beauty trends go hand in hand. Young people feel pressured to conform to the body ideals described in this article, but often these “ideas” are beyond the reach of many.

A man filming a gym
Fitness posts are trending on social media.
fizkes/Shutterstock

In fact, influencers often use a wide variety of media in their photos and videos. These digitally altered images create a distorted view of appearance, which contributes to body dissatisfaction in young people.

Much needs to be done to address the major social issues fueling body image among young people. This starts with education.

If we give young people knowledge and understanding about how algorithms can affect what they see, and the risks associated with this, they can feel empowered and independent about their use of social media. Media literacy programs have been found to improve self-image among young people, giving them the skills to engage with online content more deeply.

YouTube, along with other platforms, can play an active role in promoting body diversity. This can include high-profile videos that challenge traditional standards of beauty. The combination of powerful algorithms, social pressures and the pervasive nature of social media means that a holistic approach is needed.

If we want to protect young people from having bad bodies and have more stability online, it will not only be necessary to have strict algorithmic rules. Media literacy, education and cultural change towards a positive body image are needed.

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