Youth Exposed to Alarming Rates of Unhealthy Food Ads on Social Media
Study highlights significant exposure of Swedish youth to unhealthy food ads on social media.
Key Points
- • Karolinska Institutet finds that unhealthy food ads dominate social media exposure for youths.
- • Youth encounter an average of 17 unhealthy food ads per hour on TikTok.
- • 70% of food-related ads promote unhealthy products, prompting concerns about health.
- • Report advocates for protective measures against unhealthy marketing similar to other countries.
A recent study by researchers from Karolinska Institutet highlights the overwhelming prevalence of unhealthy food advertisements targeting young people on social media, particularly TikTok. Swedish youth aged 13 to 16 are reportedly exposed to about 17 ads promoting unhealthy food and drinks every hour while using these platforms. Alarmingly, 34% of all ads seen by this demographic are food-related, with 70% of those advocating for unhealthy products such as fast food and sugary snacks.
Focus group interviews reveal a concerning trend: these visually enticing ads encourage impulse purchases, leaving many youths feeling helpless in the face of constant advertising bombardment. As unhealthy eating habits contribute significantly to health issues, including rising obesity rates—which have more than doubled among children aged 11 to 15 in the last 30 years—this trend raises critical public health concerns. Furthermore, while dietary guidelines exist, consumption of unhealthy foods continues to increase, and the intake of fruits and vegetables declines.
The report calls for urgent protective measures to curb unhealthy marketing aimed at children, advocating for regulations similar to those already in place in various other countries.