Pro-eating disorder communities on social networking sites: a content analysis

Eat Disord. 2010 Oct-Dec;18(5):393-407. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2010.511918.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the number of pro-ana groups on social networking sites and to analyze their content. A general inductive approach was used to analyze the content. Two main themes emerged from the content analysis: social support and eating disorder specific content. Themes were similar across all groups; however, a linguistic analysis indicated differences between groups on the two different networking sites. There was an absence of content typically found on Internet sites. Pro-ana groups on social networking sites are focused on social interactions, and lack eating disorder specific content found on Internet sites.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Linguistics
  • Social Support*
  • Young Adult