Another issue that arises from fitspiration content is the fact that a seemingly randomized algorithm fills social media users' feed with content relating to body shaming, extreme dieting, and glorifying eating disorders. Thus, future research should look at the implications of this aspect of social media on body image of viewers. 

Fitspiration Content on Body Image: Directions for Future Research on the Algorithm 

In the future, researchers should examine other types of positive and negative social media content that can potentially be related to body image, exercise, and dieting in some capacity. For example, studies can focus on content documenting eating disorder recovery vs content encouraging eating disorders. 

Xavier University

The negative impact of fitspiration content perpetuates the damaging mindset that it is more important to exercise and eat healthy in order to be thin rather than to be healthy. 

Fitspiration Content on Body Image: Implications 

Pryde, S. and Prichard, I. (2022). TikTok on the clock but the #fitspo don’t stop: The impact of TikTok fitspiration videos on women’s body image concerns. Body Image, 43. https://doi-org.xavier.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.004.

TikTok on the clock but the #fitspo don't stop: The impact of TikTok fitspiration videos on women's body image concerns

One potential solution is to provide ways for individuals to view fitspiration content with a self improvement mindset rather than a self evaluative mindset. 

Fitspiration Content on Body Image: Potential Solution of Educating the Viewer 

A potential solution to the negative effects of fitspiration content is by educating content creators on the consequences of posting content that perpetuates a harmful ideal to their viewers, body image, and on the responsibility that they have to be mindful of the content that they are putting out onto the internet. 

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