Are we aware of the effect of social networks on our nutrition?

Abstract

All human beings have an intuitive perception of nutrition. In fact, it is possible to feel how a “healthy” or “unhealthy” diet can have effects on different aspects of our lives. Additionally, social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, etc.) triggers a large number of opinions and often manages to shape the attitudes of its users. The World Health Organization states that healthy eating is a constant concern worldwide. Each person’s eating behavior is related to the lifestyle they lead, the latter being an essential pillar for human health. Lifestyles are influenced by the dissemination of information and interaction with users, and this has become easier and more direct through the use of social media. Today, the dissemination of food and nutrition information is just a click away, and its use can reach a large portion of the world’s population. In reality, most people who use the internet can access and share food and nutrition information almost immediately. The problem lies in the fact that these actions attract users without taking into account the positive or negative consequences for health, as well as the social, economic, or environmental implications.