Pros and Cons of Smartphones in Eating Disorder Recovery

Social media has drastically changed the way we live, communicate, and connect with one another.  Many individuals have become dependent on their smartphone or tablet as a daily means of accessing the internet and a plethora of information as well as social platforms.  A recent survey from Pew Internet Project’s research showed that 91% of American adults have a cell phone and that the majority of Americans (56%) own a smartphone [1].  Furthermore, 55% of cell phone owners say they use their phones to go online – to browse the internet, exchange emails, or download apps [1].

With eating disorders among the most commonly diagnosed and fatal mental illnesses, understanding how technology is impacting these diseases is crucial.  While eating disorders have existed long before smartphones and social media, the rapid growth of mobile technology along with the accessibility of the Internet has changed the ways that eating disorder sufferers cope with or fuel their harmful behaviors.

Unfortunately, technology can easily serve as a platform for reinforcing the illness, with the abundance of triggering images, sites, forums, and videos that encourage eating disorders.  However, many new apps are surfacing that have been created with the intention of supporting individuals in recovery.  Pro-Recovery programs that utilize smartphone technology, along with support systems that exist via social media, can actually be beneficial to someone in their recovery journey from an eating disorder.  With the use of smartphones, the internet, and social media functioning as a double-edged sword, it is vital for men and women in recovery to use discretion and tread cautiously through the waters of mobile technology.

Related Reading

• Virtual Treatment Apps for Eating Disorders
• Comparing Online and In Person Eating Disorder Programs
• An Overview on Online Recovery Programs
• How to Seek Treatment Online

What are the pros and cons of smartphone use in eating disorder recovery?

Perhaps one of the most detrimental roadblocks eating disorder sufferers will encounter via the internet and social media are the pro-anorexia/pro-bulimia groups that create a toxic community with “thinspiration”.  These trends have surfaced on virtually all social media sites with images that celebrate deadly pursuits.  While many social media giants are taking steps to ban pro-eating disorder activity, it is difficult to weed out completely.  As someone who may have suffered from an eating disorder, it is important to protect your recovery and steer clear from any influences online that could deter you.

Mobile technology could be used in beneficial ways for eating disorder recovery.  For example, various apps are now available, such as Recovery Record, with encourage individuals with eating disorders to set constructive goals for themselves daily.  Other helpful resources include support groups that are internet based and created to offer encouragement and accountability for the recovery journey.  Taking the time to seek out tools such as these can allow mobile technology to become a valuable part of recovery.

While the force of technology is powerful, it can truly be used in ways that are supportive to those in recovery from an eating disorder.  Becoming aware of the potential dangers as well as knowledgeable of available tools can help a person in recovery withstand many of the challenges that come with technological advancements.

How have you used mobile technology in a positive way in your recovery?

References:

[1]:  Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.  http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media/Files/Reports/2013/PIP_Smartphone_adoption_2013.pdf