International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: P. Jahnavi, Dr. P. Ashlesha
Abstract: Background: The widespread use of social media has transformed the way adolescents access information related to food, nutrition, and body image. Continuous exposure to food-related content, advertisements, and peer interactions on digital platforms may influence dietary behaviours and lifestyle choices during adolescence. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of social media on eating habits among adolescents aged 12–18 years and to compare its effects on food preferences, body image perception, and dietary behaviours between boys and girls. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adolescents (50 boys, 50 girls) aged 12–18 years using a structured questionnaire. Information regarding social media usage, food preferences, eating behaviours, body image perception, dieting practices, and peer influence was collected and analyzed. Associations between gender and study variables were assessed using the Chi-square test in Microsoft Excel, with statistical significance considered at p<0.05. Results: Social media demonstrated a considerable influence on the eating behaviours of adolescents. Boys were more likely to report positive responses to healthy eating-related content, whereas girls showed greater susceptibility to body image and dieting messages shared through social media. Most gender-based differences were not statistically significant. A significant association was observed only for perception of healthy versus unhealthy eating habits (p=0.026). No significant associations were identified for dieting behaviour (p=0.537), food preferences (p=0.343), peer influence (p=0.368), or exposure to social media food-related content (p=0.951). Conclusions: Social media is an important determinant of adolescents' dietary behaviours irrespective of gender. Incorporating nutrition education and media literacy into adolescent health programmes may enable young people to critically evaluate online information, make healthier food choices, and adopt sustainable dietary practices.
