Research Article

A ppearance- O riented S hort V ideos and A dolescent B ody I mage and D isordered E ating B ehaviors

Yushi Shi*
Beijing Chaoyang RDF Dongba School

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

In recent years, short videos have become very popular among teenagers. Many short videos are filtered and beautified with "perfect" body and appearance. Under the recommendation of the algorithm, teenagers will continue to browse such content and start to compare themselves with the people in the video, which will easily lead to their dissatisfaction with their bodies and even unhealthy eating behaviors. This study focuses on the effect of appearance oriented short videos on adolescents' body image and eating behavior. The research mainly uses the method of literature analysis to sort out the existing research, and analyzes five typical cases from the perspective of gaze theory, fitness short videos, anti facial anxiety discourse, body image communication and restricted diet. The results show that the appearance oriented short video does not directly lead to eating problems, but works through a path: media contact, algorithm push, social comparison, negative body image, and finally bad eating behavior. Teenagers first compare themselves with their idealized image, and then are dissatisfied with their bodies. Some people will change their bodies through dieting or excessive exercise. In general, appearance oriented short videos mainly change teenagers' body image first, and then further affect their eating behavior. This study suggests that platforms, schools and families work together to reduce these negative effects. Future research should also use more long-term tracking methods, and add male samples for more in-depth exploration.

Keywords: Appearance-oriented short videos; Body image; Disordered eating behaviors; Social comparison; Adolescents
Published: October 27, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.BJ38273
Volume: CHR Vol.126
pp. 45-51
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