Columbus State University psychology professor expresses concern over dangerous TikTok trend, ‘SkinnyTok’

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A now band hashtag on TikTok called “SkinnyTok,” is a side of social media that idolizes extreme thinness, according to the National Alliance of Eating Disorders.

While the trend is banned on TikTok, most of the content is accessible on other platforms and is causing concerns for health professionals, who say that it can push harmful eating habits to vulnerable teenagers.

Health experts warn that the app’s algorithm can trap users in a constant stream of content that shows extreme dieting, weight loss challenges and body comparisons.

This can normalize certain behaviors from users and create what experts call an illusory majority.

“It is damaging because it’s encouraging dangerous behavior. And it’s encouraging people to behave as if they have anorexia nervosa and with a mental health crisis that we have already going on,” said Dr. Brandt Smith, associate professor of psychology at Columbus State University.

He added, “especially those who are vulnerable. Everyone goes through their teenage years when they are unsure of themselves and body image issues and well there’s this quick fix online.”

Kathleen Abbigale Onate, registered dietitian and specialist in oncology at John B. Amos Cancer Center, spoke with WRBL News 3 and also shared the dangers the trend has among the youth on social media.

“When your mentality is shifted towards more dangerous thoughts that food is going to harm me or it’s bad for me, it can get dangerous really quick, and then that’s when social media comes in and can really tamper those thought processes,” she said.

Experts say red flags can range from excessive exercise to sudden changes to eating habits and energy levels.

Smith says parents should monitor their child’s social media use and promote open and honest conversations.