Internet and Subliminal Messages on Eating Disorders

Nearly 45 percent of homes with young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have Internet access and the number is growing. In 1999, eShop Weekly reported that 67 percent of online teens (ages 13 to 18) and 37 percent of online children (ages five to 12) had researched products or purchased products online.

On the Internet, the traditional lines between advertising and information are blurred. Some of the ads are obviously ads. They pop up or appear as a banner and are labeled as advertisements. Many more ads are embedded in games, quizzes, chats, and stories. Both the informational content and the ads contain all of the potentially troublesome elements that are present in other forms of the media.

Used carefully, the Internet can be a valuable resource for information and support. People with eating disorders often become alienated from friends and family. Through the Internet, they can anonymously find resource centers and online support groups. When they're ready for help, the very act of discovering that they are not alone in their struggles can be empowering. Before trusting what you find on the Web, however, learn who is hosting the site and find out about their expertise and experience.

Q & A

Question: How do I know what to trust on the Internet?

Answer You're right to be wary when it comes to the Internet. While the Web is an incredible resource, trusting whatever you see just because you see it in writing is a natural (and dangerous) inclination. In fact, there are many inaccuracies and misinformation, especially on sites hosted by individuals who aren't experts. To avoid these sites, rely on Web sites hosted by well-known universities (with Web addresses ending in .edu) and government agencies (with Web addresses ending in .gov), such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In general, pay attention to when information was posted or updated. If there's no date, beware. Check to make sure the Web site provides sources for data. Have credible experts and institutions contributed their knowledge to the site?

SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES

Subliminal messages are ideas that are conveyed so subtly that you may not be aware of them. Unlike TV programs, magazine articles, and websites that send a clear message that "thin is in" by focusing on ways to improve one's body through diet and exercise, most messages in the media are less obvious. When a thin actress plays the romantic lead role in a sitcom and an overweight actress plays her funny but unmarried housekeeper, the subliminal message is that outward appearance matters.