Impact of Pro-Eating Disorder Websites

Impact of Pro- take Disorder WebsitesKosalina Vignarajah Harithra ChandraseharAbstractThis paper examines the refer of pro- eat disarray weavesites as de bournined by the interrogationes done on the ara. During the cover of this paper, we drive minutely analyzed the point outings, methodologies and conclusions given in eight take c atomic number 18 papers man providing suggestions for our opinions on them. After the analysis, we leave come to a conclusion that pro- take in overturn websites argon revileful to both novice cycloramaers and regular viewers as these websites nixly affect the ego-esteem, perceptions of beauty and the patterns of thinking. However, these websites atomic number 18 similarly a meeting place through which mint with consume roughnesss communicate, which acts a supportive network, and is therefore positive as well.Key words Pro-eating disorder websites, thinspiration, Pro-ana/pro-mia.Kosalina VignarajahIntroductionNothing tastes as well as thin feels is a quote which is often seen in pro-eating disorder websites (Bardone-Cone Cass, 2006). Pro-eating disorder motilitys or websites digest master(prenominal)ly on influencing individuals to practice disordered manners of eating (by some quantifys undermining the harm it rout out do) and increasing the eating disorder appearances overtime without seeking treatments from professionals. These websites c tout ensemble for that they are pro-ana and/or pro-mia (for anorexia and bulimia respectively) and that they represent a lifestyle preference rather than eating disorders (Csipke and Horne, 2007).The objective of this paper is to understand the impact of pro-eating disorder websites on people. This paper entrust mainly focus on wherefore pro-eating disorder purports negatively impacts people already diagnosed with eating disorders. admittanceally, this paper will attain an in-depth commentary of pro-eating disorder websites, what these websites contain that benefits and negatively impacts the users, find abstract approaches to reduce the consequences of these sites, the precautious steps that clinical professionals/therapists could take to service of process the victims, and the limitations and possible rising studies will as well as be explored.Pro- consume Disorder websitesPro-eating disorder websites are where individuals with anorexia or bulimia join together to feel like a community, treat values and intuitive feelings (Csipke and Horne, 2007). These movements are especially spread through websites have main triad goals the sites prevent from seeking professional attend change magnitude the behavior of eating disorder, and using the guise of support to harm the users (Yom-Tov, Fernandez-Luque, Weber, Crain, 2012).Csipke and Horne (2007) have characterized websites regarding eating disorders into four main types (1) eating disorder websites run by professionals pertain with health (2) recovery sites run by people wi th eating disorders (3) hold up pro-ED sites that consists of beliefs and quotes regarding being thin, and (4) severe pro-ED sites that consists of ANA creed or commandments which is similar to a movement and contains inspirational facts and breeding well-nigh maintaining a let loose body slant and looking thin.Most of these sites contain images and messages that motivate disordered behaviors drugs that help shake up vomit chatrooms that include individuals that support from each one opposite a disclaimer to warn people who accidently come across the site and sometimes training about the organizer of this site is given (Overbeke, 2008). similarly most of the sites have calorie charts and BMI calculator to advice the users of the exercises to undertake, to reduce freight and to help hide the disorders from others (Csipke and Horne, 2007).Addition to sharing thinspiration pictures of thin supermodels, the users who have eating disorders find themselves more turbid into the se websites because of the identity that these sites provide. And in this way, they are taught self break on aliment consumption and encourage to diet or fast with other companion chatters, this is one of the main defense statement of pro-eating websites (Csipke and Horne, 2007). The fills of these sites could be prejudicial and is a health c at one timern, as explained below.Impact of Pro-Eating disorder websitesCsipke and Horne (2007) concluded that there was a positive impact (without counting the motivation to diet together) on frequent users of the pro-eating website , who were supported emotionally found themselves connecting with other users who had the same view and thought than the silent users who were physically supported to maintain restricted eating behaviors. It is important to remember that a frequent user of the sites is not skilful from disordered eating behavior, and also it is onerous for the users to come out of this behavior to recover because these sites gives them an identity.Despite giving sense of belongingness, clear identity, and practical information in regards to anorexia, the sites have negative impacts such as lowered self esteem, and self-efficacy of being perceived as over tip which leads to eating disorders (Overbeke, 2008).For example, Bardone-Cone and Cass (2006) stated that women who viewed pro-anorexia website showed an increase on their perceived weight and a decrease in how pleasant they looked to opposite sex compared with women who viewed neutral sites, thus both the mood and the noesis of women are affected by backwash pro-eating disorder movement websites. Also users of pro-ana sites had a longer duration of illnesses and higher number of absenteeism of school collectable to health concerns (Overbeke, 2008).The impact of pro-eating disorder on eating disorder is a topic that requires more attention in the future, especially the role the sites routine in helping to maintain and increase eating disorder be haviors, an explanation of these popularities despite the negative impact and the reasons for why the individuals continue access these sites (Overbeke, 2008).Approaches to burn the Impact of Pro-Eating Disorders WebsitesA better approach can be interpreted to prevent these sites causing more harmful effects such as a censorship to shut down these sites from stopping the frequent users and also the users yet to connect with the site members (Csipke and Horne, 2007).Parents should also educate themselves and their children with media literacy that gives a critical evaluation of the media and its messages and it is wiser to use block technology at home computers if the children were solely with a technical device or else place the computers in public area of the house (Bardone-Cone and Cass, 2006). It is the duty of the parents to be aware of their childrens health to not only if check for eating disorders save to also prevent from other diseases.Yom-Tov et al. (2012) illustrate d that some of the countries like Israel has taken the precaution of these harmful sites and have criminalise advertisements containing severely underweight models. On the other hand, the online servers (e.g Yahoo, MSN) have taken it upon themselves to pull in awareness for the harmful drugs used for eating disorder.Overbeke (2008) suggested that by understanding the factors that influences the popularity of these sites, professionals can take relevant steps to prevent popularity of these sites. Clinical scientists should defend against statements such as these where pro-Ana movements is compared with homosexuality, that given time pro-Ana movements will be considered as a chosen lifestyle as homosexuality is considered today (Overbeke, 2008).Treatments could include recognition of these sites and how to address these issues with clients to prevent relapse and help acquire a brawny eating behaviors by letting the clients know about the influence these sites have on their health (Csipke and Horne, 2007).In addition to above mentioned precautions that parents and therapist could take, there are some areas of studies that require the attention of researchers to study on. For example, The ambiguity of pro-Ana makes it sticky for the researchers to study on it because different meaning is given to pro-eating disordered movements by m all and most of the studies are indicator lamp or descriptive studies that are not evidence enough to make conclusion from to check the strong impacts (Overbeke, 2008).Therefore, Yom-Tov et al. (2012) emphasized that future studies can focus on interventions where warnings about the content of the sites should be clear, understandable to any user, and importance should be given to stay to these warnings to avoid being caught up in problems that may lead to eating disordered behavior. As mentioned above, the use of blocking from the internet servers for these sites is necessary because a caregiver cannot monitor the users all the time, and parental control software should be present for the users especially to avoid the first time users attention towards these sites.Harithra ChandraseharE-Ana and e-Mia A Content Analysis of ProEating Disorder Web Sites is an obligate by Borzekowski et al. analyzes the content shown in a one hundred and lxxx pro-eating disorder websites. According to the article, pro-eating disorder websites are often defined by their urging of viewers to use unconventional and dangerous methods to lose weight such as using laxatives. The article also mentioned that 79% of the websites were interactional thus giving viewers a forum, and that they contain thinspiration, tips and techniques to lose weight, and turn around triggers pictures of morbidly obese people (Borzekowski et al. 2010). What was most fascinating was the details collect regarding the sites such as them being very easy to understand as they were compiled in eighth grade English which aids its ability to provide to its audience, and more importantly, that most of the sites had themes including bringing control to life through eating-disorders, closing off from those who they think are fat and impure, and as artistic transformation (Borzekowski et al., 2010). A drawback of this study is the unavailability of information regarding the underground websites which are pro-eating disorder, as they may contain the most damaging information, as opposed to what is found in the public domain.The article titled Potential risks of Pro-eating disorder websites claims that despite the negative out-cry against them, that there are currently around five hundred websites which are pro-eating disorders currently on the internet, and that around 200-400 users will be accessing those sites at any given time, while also mentioning that those who view these websites can be girls of twelve years or younger. This article also shed light to three important factors which seem to carry the most risk to those backwash a pro-eating disorder website. They are Operation under the guise of support, funding of disordered eating, and prevention of help-seeking and recovery Interestingly it also mentions that not all pro-eating disorder websites are anti-recovery as some websites encourage the users to seek help when their eating disorder progresses (Rouleau, von Ranson 2010). This does confirm the fact that eating-disorder websites are a forum which provide support and comfort too. However, it is also possible that the triggers in the website may discourage people from seeking help, despite the disclaimer in the outset of the page. A suggestion to counter these pro-eating disorder websites would be to have a website which appears along with the pro-eating disorder websites, which is run by completely recovered individuals who once lived with eating disorders, who can understand and even guide a person to seek help. The site can even be monitored by clinicians.The research titled What does viewing a pro-Anorexia website do? An experimental examination of website word-painting and moderating effects seems to be a remarkably well-thought out study. It is also a study that has been cited by many another(prenominal) research articles discussing this topic. Technically, the article seems to be quite flawless as it covers every aspect necessary, including a pilot study, the randomization of participants, explanation of methods of testing used, and the explanation of results. the results of this study determined that viewing a pro-anorexia website made a significant impact on the participants compared to those who viewed the control websites in terms of a negative mood, low social self-esteem, low appearance self-esteem, higher likelihood to exercise and think about weight in the forthcoming days.This study was a critical point in the research of pro-eating disorder websites as it showed the immediate afterwards effects of viewing one. Unfortunately, it has not followed the partic ipants out of the lab and analyzed how these websites affect their life after the initial viewing despite the debriefing they received and the availability to psychological help. (Bardone-Cone, Cass 2007). It would be raise to know whether any of these participants returned to viewing these websites, and to understand what move them to it as they are considered first-time viewers, (and should technically have no reason to search for companionship in an eating-disorder website which is the reason given by many people living with eating disorders when asked why they access these sites), and whether viewing these articles and images are as damaging as they were the first time, or if the effect of it reduces each time through desensitization as the Bardone-Cone and Cass study suggests. It would also be interesting to know what changes will occur in the results if the subjects were male, or if they were from a socialisation that appreciates body fat, or even if it were someone who is obese and having a good self esteem. The variations of the sample are quite necessary as these sites are quite freely available on the internet, and therefore it is important to find out how different people react to these websites, as opposed to only considering the stereotypical relationship between women and anorexia. However, it would be quite dangerous to split up people to sites like these without having a good understanding of their psychological state, as eating disorders can be hidden for so long, and disguised as many other less harmful things that it may be difficult for the researchers to notice changes in a participant unless it is a long term study.The final article disordered eating in a digital age is a questionnaire/survey which was linked to pro-eating disorder websites, which was answered by those accessing the site. The results were then analyzed to determine the harm caused, and although it has been impossible to determine the causality of many of these negat ive symptoms including low BMI, low quality of life, co-morbidity of illnesses along with psychological diagnosis, and an frightful twenty one sick days in a month of thirty days, but its strongly linked to eating disorders and these websites (Peebles et al. 2012). However, this research had a response rate of less than 40% which is not an adequate sample, while only English websites were accessed. However this study was one of the best online studies conducted in this area, was well analyzed, and the article contained the survey for references which can be helpful to the reader. lastThe articles above show comprehensive details about pro-eating disorder websites. Upon wide-awake reviewing of both articles and some of these mentioned websites, it is easy to understand that there is a completely different mind-set attached to those who have purposely disordered eating habits. It seems to be like they think that they have a higher purpose, a better understanding and purer image of the human body. Their mentality seems like that of a cult, a united front with puzzlence to a strict regime, but its members breaking down within it unable to cope up with the stress and the difficulty, but struggling each day, because if they dont, their entire belief system and the purpose they have assigned to themselves may fall apart. perchance one of the most ethical ways to help these people who may not acknowledge that they require it is by doing more research about pro-eating disorder websites which helps develop their dangerous bonds and by matching each of it with a less harmful blog/website run by clinicians but is fitted and accessible to the general public. Another such proactive action would be having a minimum standard guideline that these pro-eating disorder websites need to adhere to, required by law, where the harm is detailed and the ways to get help are found, like the warning that is mandated on packs of cigarettes. It is best if these websites can be closed down by all internet servers as a matter of public safety, and encourages instead a forum or web pages which speak creatively about the struggles of beating eating disorders and victory.In the slip of research, it would be best to do more studies with diverse samples, and to do studies which task the long term effects of these websites. It would be also interesting to have a research perspective about why these websites should exist, and it would be standard if this research could be conducted by those who believe in the pro-eating disorder movement as it would be a good way to understand each other, with the basis of science.ReferencesBardone-Cone, A. M., Cass, K. M. (2006) Investigating the Impact of Pro-Anorexia Websites A Pilot Study. European Eating Disorders Review 14, 256-262.Bardone-Cone A M. and Cass K M. (2007) What Does Viewing a Pro-Anorexia Website Do? An observational Examination of Website Exposure and Moderating Effects, International Journal of Eating Disorders 406 537548 DOI 10.1002/eatBorzekowski D LG, Schenk S, Wilson J L, Peebles R (2010) e-Ana and e-Mia A Content Analysis of ProEating Disorder Web Sites. American Journal of Public Health, Volume 100, No 8.Csipke, E., Horne, O. (2007) Pro-Eating Disorder websites users opinions. European Eating Disorders Review,Volume 15, Issue 3, pages 196-206.Overbeke, G. (2008) Pro-Anorexia Websites Content, Impact, and Explanations of Popularity. Mind Matters The Wesleyan Jounral of Psychology, 49-62, Vol. 3.Peebles R, Wilson J,Litt I F,Hardy K K fix D (2012) Disordered Eating in a Digital get along withEating Behaviors, Health, and Quality of Life in Users of Websites With Pro-Eating Disorder Content. Journal of medical Internet Research 14.5Rouleau C R, von Ranson K M (2010) Potential risks of pro-eating disorder websites, Clinical psychology review 31- Elsevier. doi10.1016/j.cpr.2010.12.005Yom-Tov, E., Fernandez-Luque, L., Weber, I., Crain, S. P. (2012) Pro-Anorexia and Pro-Recovery Photo Shari ng A tale of Two Warring Tribes. Journal of Medical Internet Research.