It's a case of "you eat what you see."
The science:
A new study found that the foods you see on your social feeds influence what you consume.
If your friends’ posts suggest that they eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, you’ll likely prioritize them as well. On the flip side, if their photos flaunt indulgences like desserts or fried items, there's a higher chance that you'll eat them yourself.
The research was done on college students, but the authors note the same would likely be true for older adults.
Expert insight:
“There’s substantial evidence that what we believe others typically do or eat can affect our own behaviors,” says study author Lily Hawkins, a health psychology Ph.D. student at Aston University in Birmingham, England.
The existing research, however, has focused on real-life habits. This study is the first to extend that knowledge to social media.
The bottom line:
More research needs to be done to determine whether this has long-term health consequences.
In the meantime, Hawkins suggests cleansing your social feeds, for example, by posting nutritious meals and unfollowing accounts that don't align with your food goals. “If we’re all more mindful about what we post and who we follow, we may be able to nudge one another towards healthier choices,” she says.