The Availability Trap: How the Availability Bias and Fitness Influencers Mould Followers’ Behaviour

Abstract

The advent of social media has opened up a gateway of opportunities to provide people with information and means to a healthier lifestyle. However, due to this, there has also been a change in what people consider to be “normal”. With social media apps like Instagram and TikTok, people fall prey to the “Availability Bias” in which individuals rely on readily available information, making conclusions and assumptions, even if they are not necessarily accurate or credible. As viewers assume the “top 1%” to be normal, there is an increase in depression and anxiety, and a need for instant gratification of reaching goals in the quickest way possible. This study is being conducted to understand how we can prevent individuals from falling for the Availability Bias and steps to educate ourselves about unsubstantiated promotions on social media.