e-Ana and e-Mia: A Content Analysis of Pro–Eating Disorder Web Sites

Dina L. G. Borzekowski · Summer Schenk · Jenny L. Wilson · Rebecka Peebles

246 citations0/0 files storedAmerican Journal of Public Health

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Eating Disorders and Behaviors Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The Internet offers Web sites that describe, endorse, and support eating disorders. We examined the features of pro-eating disorder Web sites and the messages to which users may be exposed. METHODS: We conducted a systematic content analysis of 180 active Web sites, noting site logistics, site accessories, "thinspiration" material (images and prose intended to inspire weight loss), tips and tricks, recovery, themes, and perceived harm. RESULTS: Practically all (91%) of the Web sites were open to the public, and most (79%) had interactive features. A large majority (84%) offered pro-anorexia content, and 64% provided pro-bulimia content. Few sites focused on eating disorders as a lifestyle choice. Thinspiration material appeared on 85% of the sites, and 83% provided overt suggestions on how to engage in eating-disordered behaviors. Thirty-eight percent of the sites included recovery-oriented information or links. Common themes were success, control, perfection, and solidarity. CONCLUSIONS: Pro-eating disorder Web sites present graphic material to encourage, support, and motivate site users to continue their efforts with anorexia and bulimia. Continued monitoring will offer a valuable foundation to build a better understanding of the effects of these sites on their users.

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1984Content Analysis: An Introduction to its Methodology.1990Basic Content Analysis 2008Social Cognitive Theory 2004Eating disorder prevention programs: A meta-analytic review.2006The virtual cutting edge: The Internet and adolescent self-injury.2006The mass marketing of disordered eating and Eating Disorders: The social psychology of women, thinness and culture 2007Inside the “Pro-ana” Community: A Covert Online Participant Observation 2006Ana and the Internet: A review of pro‐anorexia websites

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2015The Relationship Between Body Image Concerns, Eating Disorders and Internet Use, Part I: A Review of Empirical Support 2016Strong is the new skinny: A content analysis of fitspiration websites 2016Quantifying and Predicting Mental Illness Severity in Online Pro-Eating Disorder Communities 2011The Scope of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury on YouTube 2017Objectifying fitness: A content and thematic analysis of #fitspiration images on social media.

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