Instagram adds easier access to support for eating disorders

Instagram announces that they are adding resources for people affected by eating disorders to the social platform. If users search for hashtags or content that may be related to disordered eating habits, the company will direct the user to resources or guidelines offered by the National Eating Disorders Association (or NEDA) in the US, as well as others in the UK, Australia , and Canada.

Instagram says it’s currently trying to erase content that causes search results, and it’s leading people to general crisis support, but it should now lead users to resources specifically designed around eating disorders. In his blog, Instagram also says they plan to show the resources if someone is trying to share eating disorder-related content, or ‘if a friend is concerned about something they see and wants to offer support.’

This update is similar to what TikTok announced earlier today. Unlike TikTok, however, Instagram does not appear to have previously pointed to eating disorder-specific sources, although it does appear in the general list of helplines. Currently, the search for content related to eating disorders will take you to the general helpline list, which includes not only NEDA but also the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Veterans Crisis Line and Trevor Project.

However, the Instagram screenshots imply that the support button will show the NEDA contacts specifically to people, rather than just showing the entire list of available guides.

As part of the National Eating Disorders Awareness Program, the company also says it wants to work with community leaders to publish Rules that encourage ‘positive body image, resist weight stigma and harmful stereotypes, and show that all bodies are worthy and deserving. to be celebrated. According to the report, this is the third time that Instagram is working on content for the NEDA week.

Instagram has struggled in the past to regulate the content of eating disorders, and the social network is often raised in conversations about negative body image and perception, especially among young people. While the higher priority of resources is unlikely to help much with self-esteem problems after using the site, it should make it easier for people who are struggling and vulnerable to get help from experts.