We Are What We Eat… and See on Social Media: A Multi-Method Descriptive Analysis

The current study investigates the experiences of Black and Latinx college students during the COVID-19 pandemic as related to their time spent using social media and their food behaviors. Given the pivotal role of young adulthood in establishing healthy food habits and the significantly high rates of social media usage among this age group, this research explores the nutritional content of participants’ food choices and of the products posted on social media by food and beverage companies. Specifically, the study focuses on data provided by 11 Black and Latinx first-year college students living in an urban, Midwestern city during Fall 2020. Through ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methodology, participants provided food photos and descriptions three times per day for one week. Images of foods and beverages uploaded to social media during the study period by companies that participants’ reported following were also collected. Photos were analyzed using thematic content analyses and nutritional analyses rooted in psychological theory. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine patterns in the data across days and participants. Findings were consistent with existing literature, revealing high daily rates of social media use and overall consumption of unhealthy foods across all participants during the pandemic. This study emphasizes the need for regulatory measures on social media activities of Big Food and Beverage companies and education on healthy eating to mitigate negative health impacts on vulnerable populations. These insights aim to inform long-term health strategies addressing the role of social media in shaping dietary behaviors during significant lifestyle disruptions.