Instagram introduces new features to point the right direction for those struggling with an eating disorder. When someone tries to search for content related to topics like eating disorder recovery, they first see links to resources that the company has built up using the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), in addition to links to local helplines in Australia, Canada. and the United Kingdom.
Similarly, if someone tries to share the content or if their friends see that they are posting something related to them, they will see the same set of sources. The company will allow people to contact their friends for support from the resource landing page. As before, Instagram will continue to erase the content they think could cause someone with an eating disorder.
The features broadly reflect what TikTok announced earlier in the day – although in Instagram’s case, it had already pushed users to general help before the general announcement. Pinterest has also announced similar measures, saying it will direct users to NEDA resources, in addition to promoting events and roundtables around National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. For Instagram, this is the third consecutive year the company has partnered with the organization for NEDAwarness Week. The two plan to share roles that will encourage body positivity. Beyond the immediate future, the company says it will continue to work with experts to shape its policy on the subject.
Although all social media services struggle to some extent with body positivity, Instagram, as one of the largest social networks on the planet, is in some ways the poster for the problem. And sometimes the company has not done the best job of supporting those who have tried to spread more inclusive messages about what a beautiful body is.