A recent study has revealed that social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are proving to be effective spaces for young people of colour in the United States to learn about healthy weight management. With the objective of reducing racial disparities in obesity rates, this study represents a crucial step towards addressing the specific needs of youth of colour.
According to the study published in the JMIR Pediatrics & Parenting journal, a staggering 1 in 4 adolescents in the United States experienced obesity from 2017 to 2020. Even more concerning is the fact that youth of colour experienced disproportionately higher obesity rates, with approximately 26 percent of Hispanic youth and 25 percent of Black youth aged 12-19 years being affected, compared to 17 percent of White youth.
The research, led by a School of Public Health researcher, revealed that social media platforms, especially TikTok, are the preferred choice for young people seeking information on healthy weight management. With almost all teens using some form of social media, this study highlights the potential for these platforms to engage adolescents of colour in discussions about healthy eating and physical activity.
Despite concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health, the study has demonstrated the value of these platforms in promoting health. The findings also underscore the need for future interventions to be culturally tailored, taking into account the unique needs and experiences of young people of colour. Dr. Monica Wang, the lead author of the study and an associate professor of community health sciences, emphasizes the critical role of culturally tailored interventions in supporting youth of colour.
The research, which involved survey and focus group data, identified TikTok as the most widely used social media platform for learning about healthy weight management, followed by Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. With more than 80 percent of young people spending at least some time on TikTok, and 71 percent on Instagram, it is evident that these platforms have a significant influence on their health-related beliefs and behaviours.
The preferences of young people for receiving information on physical and mental health, particularly from health professionals and peers, highlight the importance of relatable and authentic content. This is especially important at a time when misinformation is rampant on social media. However, it is worth noting that many young people still turn to websites to verify information, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and awareness of the need for accurate information.
The study also shed light on the reasons behind young people’s engagement with TikTok and Instagram. Many participants cited the platform as a means of combatting isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, while others appreciated the tailored content, versatility, and various ways to connect with other users. They also enjoyed the ability to share visual content, as well as to connect with influencers, celebrities, and other individuals both within and outside their networks on Instagram.
Dr. Wang advocates for “responsible and responsive” social media interventions, suggesting strategies such as creating culturally diverse content, establishing online peer support networks, offering virtual coaching and counselling, collaborating with positive role models, and addressing mental health and promoting body positivity. These strategies aim to inspire and motivate adolescents of colour to cultivate healthy weight management behaviours.
It is evident that social media platforms hold great potential in promoting health and well-being among young people of colour. As the study suggests, ongoing evaluation and input from young people themselves are essential in refining and improving the effectiveness of social media interventions in promoting healthy behaviours among this population.
+ There are no comments
Add yours