Eating-Oriented Online Groups

Abstract

Online groups are diverse online places and platforms where people with common interests or goals meet and share information, materials, or support. The chapter focuses on online groups oriented toward eating behaviors and describes the diversity of eating-oriented online groups that are connected through digital technology. The diverse factors defining the character of the online group are depicted, including type of online platforms used for interaction, size of group, prevailing ties among members, and sense of online community. Then, specific focus is given to the differentiation between eating-oriented online groups according to their goals and topics, which also delineate membership within such groups. In this regard, attention is given to online groups that provide safe places for members who struggle with stigmatization. The chapter shows how these factors are connected with different norms, values, or discourses within the online group. These may be beneficial, for instance, if they reinforce and motivate users in healthy eating habits, but they can be also risky, if they advocate unhealthy types of eating behaviors. The chapter then reviews the literature related to selected social processes within online groups, specifically social comparison, social influence of the group, and the role of the social support provided by the group. The social comparison is discussed with regard to the diversity of the content available in online groups, such as “thinspiration” content. Social influence is discussed in relation to both informational and normative forms of influence, which are linked with previous depictions of norms and information within differently oriented online groups. Finally, Optimal Matching Theory is used to describe the social support, especially with regard to the potential of online groups to offer emotional support. The beneficial and risky outcomes of diverse eating-oriented online groups are illustrated, with specific focus on online groups for overweight or obese people and those suffering from eating disorders. It is depicted how online groups may facilitate empowerment and motivate eating-related efforts—a process which can, however, be connected with reinforcement of harmful perspectives and practices, such as drastic dieting.