IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND PEER PRESSURE ON EATING BEHAVIORS OF ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Social media is the site used everywhere around the world to interact and communicate with people. The most used social media networks include Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Social networks usage is negatively associated with the eating choices of students, and it has made lifestyle sedentary.Objectives: The main aim of the study was to determine how the use of social media is linked with the eating habits of students. The secondary objective was to determine how peer choices affected eating choices in students.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 100 university of Lahore students for period of 3 months ranging from 18 to 25 years. Information on how social media and peer pressure influence eating behaviors in students was collected using a questionnaire through purposive sampling technique.Results: The results revealed that the majority of participants were female i.e., 89% and 11% were male. About 43% participants were using Instagram, whereas about 70% participants were using cell phone before laying down. 39% participants were using internet for 10 hours while 30% participants for whole day. Majority 29% participant crave junk food while watching social media, and 74% participants consumed junk food with friends. Adolescents are influenced by peer pressure as 40% participants ate 3 meals and 24% participants ate 4 meals per day with friends.Conclusion: Social media and peer pressure has greatly affected the lifestyle and eating choices of students. Our youth has decreased enjoying healthy meals with family. Thus, future nutrition programs must focus on promoting healthy eating behavior among our youth.