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Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 1
SPRING 2013
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 2
Table of contents
3 A word from the editor...
Un mot de la rédactrice en chef...
5 Rana Pishva MSc. – rana.pishva@queensu.ca
What do online social networking sites bring
7 us? : Discussion of online and offline identity,
loneliness, and difference between digital
communication and real-life social interaction
Baixue Wang
What Impact do Modern Technologies have
11 on Potential and Present Sufferers when
Encouraging Abnormal Eating Behaviours?
Mind Pad has two mandated goals: Carly Rebecca Jacuk B.A.
1. It aims to provide a professional newsletter that is written
and reviewed by students of psychology who are affiliates Prospective Employers are Watching You:
of the Canadian Psychological Association. The content
of the newsletter should be of interest to all who are 16 Social Networking and Your Next Job
Travis J. Schneider & Justin R. Feeney
practicing and studying psychology, but the primary
audience of the newsletter is students of psychology.
2. It aims to offer studying psychology researchers and
writers an opportunity to experience a formal submission
process, including submission, review, and resubmission
from the points of view of both submitter and Editor: Rana Pishva rana.pishva@gmail.com
reviewer/editor.
Undergraduate reviewers:
Mind Pad is a student journal of the Canadian Psychological Association Natasha Korva natashakorva@gmail.com
(CPA) over which the CPA holds copyright. The opinions expressed are
Lev Tankelevitch lev.tankelevitch@utoronto.ca
strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the Canadian Psychological Association, its officers, directors, or Daphne Vrantisidis d.vrantsidis@utoronto.ca
employees. Mind Pad is published semi-annually, only in electronic
form and made available to members of the CPA and the general public.
Graduate reviewers:
Rachel Wayne rachelvwayne@gmail.com
Thomas Huber thomashuber_2@yahoo.com
Le mandat de Notes d’idées a deux objectifs :
Jessica Flores jessica.p.flores@gmail.com
1. Fournir un bulletin professionnel rédigé et évalué par les Kenneth Colosimo kennethc@yorku.ca
étudiants en psychologie qui sont membres affiliés de la Selena Hodsman hodsman@uwindsor.ca
Société canadienne de psychologie. Le contenu devrait
être d’intérêt à tous les praticiens et étudiants en
psychologie, mais les étudiants en psychologie sont les Senior Advisor:
lecteurs cibles. Dr. Angela Birt angela.birt@msvu.ca
2. Fournir aux étudiants en psychologie l’opportunité de
connaitre le processus formel de soumission y compris la CPA Liaison:
soumission, la révision, et la resoumission du point de
Tyler Stacey-Holmes publicrelations@cpa.ca
vue d’auteur et d’évaluateur/redacteur.
Notes d’idées est une revue étudiante de la Société canadienne de Design: memoproductions.ca – Raymond Leveille
psychologie (SCP). La SCP réserve les droits d’auteur. Les opinions
exprimées sont strictement celles des auteurs et ne reflètent pas
nécessairement les opinions de la Société canadienne de psychologie,
ses représentants, directeurs, ou employés. Notes d’idées paraît deux
fois par année et n’est publié qu’en format électronique. Le bulletin est
disponible aux membres de la SCP et au public.
2 Mind Pad – Spring 2013
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 3
A word from the editor...
by Rana Pishva M.Sc., Editor-in-Chief
Queen’s University
A Profile Picture is
Worth a Thousand Intentions
“Profile Pic!” says my friend tion is infinite when selecting a
as she returns my camera. profile picture: one might want
Excited, I scroll through the to present as adventurous (e.g.,
pictures where I am standing in a picture of you rock climbing),
a strong yogic “tree pose” with mysterious (e.g., your shadow
the beautiful Moraine Lake in on the beach at sunset), outgo-
the background. In the picture, ing (e.g., you at the lab Christ-
my fingers are reaching to the mas party, holding your fifth
sky and I stand tall on my right glass of eggnog), or caring (e.g.
leg, with my back to the camera. playing with your new nephew).
As I place the camera in its Social networking sites amplify
case, I can already imagine all the public process of identity
the “likes” and comments that construction and identity an-
would appear under my picture nouncement. Clicking the “Like”
once I upload it onto a social icon, or adding a supportive
media site. I walk away from the comment such as “you look in-
scene without taking a second credible!” are examples of iden-
look at one of Canada’s most tity placement – the act of
beautiful sceneries. endorsing another person’s identity announcement.
This picture reflects a number of intentions: I When profile pictures are carefully selected and sup-
wanted to show off my yoga skills and remember the ported by others, an online hoped-for-possible self is
breath-taking scenery of Moraine Lake. The picture born. In the online universe, identities that aren’t nec-
would become an anchor of one the best trips of my essarily true in the “real-world” are actualized with
life. The picture was also an attempt to exemplify my the click of a button.
“hoped-for-possible self”, which unfortunately, came In my opinion, the picture is ideal for my online
at a cost. profile as it reflects my love of travel and yoga. Yet, I
The “hoped-for-possible self” is a socially desirable continue to wonder whether the picture or any other
representation of what a person would like to be, or of my profile pictures truly represent who I am. I
become, given the appropriate conditions. The inten- doubt whether a single picture can really encompass
Notes d’idées - Spring 2013 3
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 4
an individual’s personality, likes, dislikes, strengths, Cotton C.Psych. will take over as our Senior Advisor –
and weaknesses. Undoubtedly, the opportunity we we are happy to have her on board!
have to represent ourselves in various realms (i.e., the Finally, this issue will be my last as the Editor-in-
internet and the ‘real-world’) comes with its set of Chief of MindPad. It has been my honour to serve as
downfalls. the first Editor-in-Chief, and sharing bits and pieces
Most importantly, I realized that maintaining an of my life as a graduate student in these editorials. I
online identity has bled into my everyday life. Living will continue to discuss my experiences as a graduate
a dual life - online and in the ‘real-world’ - has taken student in my blog “Average: Chronicles of a PhD”,
me away from living in the moment, because captur- which can be accessed at http://averagechronicles.
ing snippets of my experiences into pictures becomes wordpress.com/.
more important than the experience itself. Looking I am proudly passing the torch to Justin Feeney
back at the picture of me in the tree pose in front of (jfeeney3@uwo.ca), current Chair of the Student sec-
Moraine Lake, I cannot help but wonder what I would tion. I do not doubt that Justin will have a lot of tell
have seen if I had taken another moment to indulge you.
in the surroundings. Instead, I have a static picture As always, do not hesitate to email your comments
to remind me of an infinite number of moments, and and questions at rana.pishva@queensu.ca and visit
many friends “Liking” it. our website, (www.cpa.ca/students/mindpad) for
In this MindPad issue, we explore the relationship more information, news, and updates.
between Psychology, the Media, and Social Network-
ing. Cyberpsychology is a relatively new field of study __________________________________________________
that explores an ever-growing aspect of the human
experience: the Internet. I hope that you enjoy our
contribution to it. References
Stone, G. (1981). Appearance and the self: A slightly re-
I would like to thank the editorial panel, and
vised version. In G. Stone & H. A. Farberman (Eds.),
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lisa Votta-Bleeker.
Social psychology through symbolic interaction (2nd
This issue would not have been possible without the ed., pp. 187–202). New York: Wiley.
support of CPA student section’s executive commit- Yurchisin, J., Watchravesringkan, K., & McCabe, D. B.
tee, as well as Tyler Stacey-Holmes, Manager of As- (2005). An exploration of identity re-creation in the
sociation Development & Membership. context of Internet dating. Social Behavior and Per-
I want to give a special thank you to Dr. Angela sonality, 33(8), 735–750.
Birth, who has been our senior advisor since our in- Zhao, S. Grasmuck, S., & Martin, J. (2008). Identity con-
augural year. Dr. Birt has helped us with reviewing ar- struction on Facebook: Digital empowerment in an-
ticles and provided invaluable feedback. Thank you chored relationships. Computers in Human Behavior,
for being part of our journey. Next year, Dr. Dorothy 24(5), 1816-1836.
4 Mind Pad – Spring 2013
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 5
Un mot de la rédactrice en chef...
par Rana Pishva M.Sc., rédactrice en chef
Université Queen’s
Une photo de profil
cache mille intentions
« Bonne photo pour ton profil! » me lance mon amie Le « moi en devenir possible » est une représenta-
en me rendant mon appareil photo. tion désirable d’un point de vue social de ce qu’une
Curieuse, je fais défiler les photos jusqu’à celle où personne aimerait être ou devenir, dans les conditions
je suis debout dans la posture de « l’arbre » de yoga, appropriées. L’intention est infinie en choisissant une
le magnifique lac Moraine en arrière-plan. Dans cette photo de profil : on pourrait se représenter comme
photo, mes mains pointent vers le ciel et je me tiens aventureuse (p. ex. une photo d’une escalade de ro-
debout bien droite, sur ma jambe droite, le dos cher), mystérieuse (p. ex. un ombrage de soi sur une
tourné à l’objectif. En remettant l’appareil dans son plage à la tombée du jour), sociable (p. ex. au party
étui, je peux déjà imaginer tous les « j’aime » et les de Noël du laboratoire, tenant son cinquième verre de
commentaires que je recevrai sous ma photo lorsque lait de poule), ou bienveillante (p. ex. au jeu avec son
je l’aurai téléchargée sur un site nouveau neveu). Les sites de ré-
de média social. Je me suis seautage sociaux amplifient le pro-
éloignée de la scène sans jeter cessus public de construction de
un autre regard sur l’un des l’identité et d’annonce de l’identité.
paysages les plus majestueux En cliquant sur l’icône « J’aime »
du Canada. ou en ajoutant un commentaire
Cette photo sous-tend un d’appui comme « tu as vraiment
bon nombre d’intentions : je l’air très bien! » sont des exemples
voulais montrer mes compé- de placement d’identité – l’acte de
tences en yoga et me souvenir donner l’aval à l’annonce de l’iden-
du paysage à couper le souffle tité d’une autre personne. Lorsque
du lac Moraine. La photo de- les photos de profil sont sélection-
viendrait le point de référence nées attentivement et corroborées
de l’un des plus beaux voyages par d’autres, un soi en devenir es-
de ma vie. La photo était aussi péré en ligne est né. Dans l’univers
une tentative d’illustrer mon en ligne, des identités qui ne sont
« moi en devenir possible », ce pas nécessairement vraies dans la
qui a malheureusement un « vraie vie » sont actualisées avec le
coût. clic d’un bouton.
Notes d’idées - Spring 2013 5
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 6
À mon avis, la photo est idéale pour mon profil en Je tiens à remercier tout particulièrement Dre An-
ligne parce qu’elle reflète ma passion pour le voyage gela Birth, qui a été notre conseillère principale de-
et le yoga. Tout de même, je continue à me demander puis notre année d’inauguration. Dre Birth nous a
si la photo ou toute autre photo de mon profil me re- aidés à réviser les articles et à nous fournir une ré-
présente vraiment. Je doute qu’une seule photo troaction inestimable. Je vous remercie d’avoir pris
puisse vraiment saisir toutes les facettes de la per- part à notre parcours. L’an prochain, Dre Dorothy Cot-
sonnalité, les choses qu’on aime, les choses qu’on ton, psy.a, assumera à sa place le rôle de conseillère
n’aime pas, les forces et les faiblesses de la personne. principale – nous sommes heureux de l’avoir à bord!
Il n’y a pas de doute, l’occasion que nous avons de Pour conclure, ce numéro sera mon dernier à titre
nous représenter dans divers contextes (p. ex. Inter- de rédactrice en chef de Notes d’idées. Ce fut un hon-
net et la « vraie vie ») comporte son lot d’inconvé- neur pour moi de jouer le rôle de première rédactrice
nients. en chef et de partager les petits riens de ma vie en
De façon encore plus importante, j’ai constaté que tant qu’étudiante diplômée dans ces rubriques. Je
le maintien d’une identité en ligne a transpiré dans continuerai de discuter de mes expériences en tant
ma vie quotidienne. Une vie double - en ligne et dans qu’étudiante diplômée sur mon blog « Average: Chro-
la « vraie vie » - m’a amené à vivre un peu moins dans nicles of a PhD », auquel vous pouvez accéder à
l’instant présent, parce que de saisir des petits bouts l’adresse http://averagechronicles.wordpress.com/.
de mes expériences en images en vient à prendre plus Je suis fière de passer le flambeau à Justin Feeney
d’importance que l’expérience proprement dite. En (jfeeney3@uwo.ca), président actuel de la Section
regardant de nouveau ma photo en posture de l’arbre des étudiants. Je ne doute pas que Justin aura de
devant le lac Moraine, je ne peux que me demander nombreuses choses à vous dire.
ce que j’aurais vu si j’avais plutôt pris ce moment Comme toujours, n’hésitez pas à me faire parvenir
pour prendre toute la mesure de l’endroit où je me par courriel vos commentaires et vos questions à
trouvais. Plutôt, j’ai pris une photo statique de l’adresse rana.pishva@queensu.ca et de visiter notre
moi-même pour me rappeler un nombre infini de mo- site Web (www.cpa.ca/students/mindpad) pour plus
ments, que de nombreux amis « aiment ». d’information, des nouvelles et des mises à jour.
Dans le présent numéro de Notes d’idées, nous ex-
plorons la relation entre la psychologie, les médias et __________________________________________________
le réseautage social. La cyberpsychologie est un do-
maine d’études relativement nouveau qui examine un
aspect toujours grandissant de l’expérience hu- Références
Stone, G. (1981). Appearance and the self: A slightly revi-
maine : Internet. J’espère que vous apprécierez la
sed version. Dans G. Stone & H. A. Farberman
contribution que nous y faisons.
(éds.), Social psychology through symbolic interac-
Je tiens à remercier le comité rédactionnel, et l’ad- tion (2e éd., pp. 187–202). New York: Wiley.
jointe à la chef de la direction de la SCP, Yurchisin, J., Watchravesringkan, K., & McCabe, D. B.
Dre Lisa Votta-Bleeker. Ce numéro n’aurait pas été (2005). An exploration of identity re-creation in the
possible sans le soutien du comité exécutif de la Sec- context of Internet dating. Social Behavior and
tion des étudiants de la SCP, ainsi que de Tyler Sta- Personality, 33(8), 735–750.
cey-Holmes, gestionnaire du développement de Zhao, S. Grasmuck, S., & Martin, J. (2008). Identity
l’association et de l’adhésion. construction on Facebook: Digital empowerment in
anchored relationships. Computers in Human Beha-
vior, 24(5), 1816-1836.
6 Mind Pad – Spring 2013
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 7
What do online social networking sites bring us? :
Discussion of online and offline identity, loneliness,
and difference between digital communication
and real-life social interaction
Baixue Wang
University of Windsor
Abstract ciales dans la vraie vie. Cet article jette un éclairage sur
There have been many debates about the pros and cons la compréhension des comportements en ligne et hors
of online social networking. This article discusses the ligne des personnes et la manière dont les technologies
origin, spread, and influences of online social network- changent la forme des interactions sociales.
ing. The first part focuses on how people interact with __________________________________________________
each other online through their online identities
(avatars), how people cultivate their online identities,
and the reflection of differences between online and of- Online social networking sites have gained signif-
fline identities through personal experiences. The sec- icant popularity in subsequent years, such as Face-
ond part addresses the reasons why lonely and isolated book and MySpace. Most of the social networking
individuals are more vulnerable to Internet addiction, sites contain the following elements: personal pro-
why too much dependence on Internet can lead to in- files, posted pictures and statuses, interest groups,
creased loneliness, and the differences between online and friend lists. Social networks are “simultaneously
communication and real-life social interactions. This ar- real, like natures, narrated, like discourse and collec-
ticle sheds light on understanding people’s online and tive like society” (Bruno, 1993, p. 6). Online social
offline behaviours and how technologies change the networking sites combine people’s social life with
form of social interactions. technology, provide a virtual platform for information
transmission and opinion sharing, and their primary
______________________________________________________ function is to promote online communication and so-
cial connection. This article explores the history of
Résumé social networking sites, online and offline identity,
Il y a eu de nombreux débats au sujet des avantages et avatars people create in video games and on social
des inconvénients du réseautage social en ligne. Cet ar- networking pages, how we look at each other online,
ticle décrit l’origine, le rayonnement et les influences du and the paradox of connection and loneliness related
réseautage social en ligne. La première partie met l’ac- to online social networking sites that impact people’s
cent sur la manière dont les personnes interagissent lives. The exploration provokes understanding of peo-
entre eux en ligne par leurs identités virtuelles (avatars), ple’s online and offline behaviours, why online social
la manière dont les personnes cultivent leurs identités networking sites became so popular among people,
en ligne et une réflexion sur les différences entre les especially the young, and whether online interactions
identités en ligne et hors ligne par le biais d’expériences can serve the same role as real life social interactions
personnelles. La seconde partie se penche sur les rai- in fulfilling human emotional needs and benefiting
sons pour lesquelles les personnes solitaires et isolées psychological well-being.
sont plus vulnérables à la cyberdépendance, les raisons Online users represent themselves largely through
pour lesquelles une trop grande dépendance à Internet avatars, which are digital characters created by a spe-
peut conduire à une solitude accrue et les différences cific person and their behaviours are manipulated by
entre la communication en ligne et les interactions so- him or her (Bailenson & Blascovich, 2004). Avatars
Notes d’idées - Spring 2013 7
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 8
can be understood as a form of online identity. Online ers’ opinions towards themselves.
identities on social networking pages, or virtual char- An individual’s identity is composed of some com-
acters we create in video games, can be either similar bination of “now selves”— images of the self as it is
to or totally different from people’s offline identities. perceived by an individual at the time of observation,
An identity is a way people understand who and what and the “possible selves”— images of the self that
they are (Schouten, 1991). In online social networking have not yet been realized but that are hoped for or
pages, people create their online avatars through feared (Markus & Nurius, 1986, pp. 954-969). Online
identity performances such as “profile management, social networks create a virtual world in which people
friending, becoming a fan (“liking” fan pages), tag- can develop alternative identities and fulfill their “pos-
ging, being tagged, updating statuses, and having re- sible selves.” For example, a girl in grade six or seven
sponses given by others to one’s own status updates” can enter a public chatroom and pretend to be a
(Salih, 2002). We look at and identify others online woman around her 20s because most of the identi-
mainly through these identity performances, and, at ties online are anonymous. She may be very excited
the same time, are consistently being “watched” by because online chatrooms provide her with a new
others (Bauman, 1966). People gather on social net- identity ¾ a woman in her 20s. It is normal for every
working sites to socialize, obtain recent information girl to dream of being a lady. As such, chatrooms can
about an individual or a group, or learn about a per- be considered something like a time machine as she
son’s likes and dislikes by exploring his or her profile can go to the future and no longer be considered a
(Bauman, 1996). Tyler (1994) found, “the subject can child. This activity fulfills her wish of “possible
never reconcile the split between itself and its mirror selves.” However, because of the “gap” between on-
image, the eye which sees and the eye which is seen, line and offline identities, the excitement is quickly
the I who speaks and the I who is spoken, the subject reduced. After all, pretending to be an adult is hard
of desire and the subject of demand, who must pass for a child. Many studies find that pretending to be
through the defiles of the other’s signifiers” (pp.212- someone online is very popular among teenagers. Ac-
248). This means one’s identity is a combination of cording to Valkenburg’s study (2008), more than half
self-desire and other’s evaluation, we identify our- of the adolescents who use the Internet had experi-
selves both through our own intentions and what oth- ence of pretending to be someone else in emails, in-
ers view about us. For instance, one may need to stant messaging (IM), or chat lines. One of the
suppress his or her beliefs because of the fear of vi- reasons may be that forming identity and developing
olating social rules. One may behave in different ways a coherent sense of self is of greater importance dur-
when meeting people with different socio-economic ing adolescence than any other developmental stages
status. People behave in a more causal way when in- (Erikson, 1994), and online social networking sites
teracting with close friends, but in a more formal way provide a good place for experimenting identities and
when working in the workplace. Likewise, online iden- fulfilling possible selves. Another reason is that cre-
tity reflects some characters of the individual and is ating “alternative” identities can bring adolescents
partly based on others’ opinions. The individual can the thrilling feeling of escape from the confines of the
cultivate his or her online identity through activities body (Turkle, 1995), because in the offline adult world
shown in online social networking websites. For exam- they are commonly treated as less knowledgeable,
ple, if one wants to be considered “cool” or “rebel”, less serious and less competent than adults (Leung,
he or she may add many “liking” fan pages such as 2011). However, in the online virtual world they can
rock music in her personal profile; and if one is an be equal to adults and have more power and control
environmentalist, he or she may “post” and “tweet” over their lives than in the real world. In a word, online
information about animal protection and environmen- social network page provides people an opportunity
tal-friendly lifestyles and join online groups. This is to present themselves online, let others know better
done because information is shown in public and can about themselves, and for some of them, online iden-
influence other people’s opinion about him or her. It tity can serve as “possible selves”. The excitement of
can also be understood as a form of identity experi- achieving possible selves and identity experimenta-
mentation, because the online identity is more fluid tion may help explain why online social networking is
and can be manipulated. This may be why people especially popular among teenagers.
spend plenty of time online cultivating their online Furthermore, I think social networking sites have
identities — it is a virtual place where people can created a paradox of connection and loneliness. On
present themselves in various ways and influence oth- the one hand, it helps people keep in touch with
8 Mind Pad – Spring 2013
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 9
friends, broadens social circles and gain social sup- social skills, such as how to act and communicate
port. As Marshall Mcluhan (1962) explained in his with others in offline social occasions. Man is a social
work, the world is more like a “global village” con- animal who needs to communicate with others. Iso-
nected by the Internet. The Internet helps shorten the lation from other people may have several long-term
physical distance between people and connect the effects on individuals, such as decreasing communi-
people all around the world. Online social networking cation ability, and increasing depression, social-anxi-
sites and virtual chat are also essential ways for peo- ety and inappropriate social behaviours. Moreover,
ple to gain social support. Social support can be seen too much dependence on online social interaction
as a source from which people receive care and com- and the avoidance of offline social interaction can dis-
passion, material or behavioral assistance, guidance turb one’s normal daily social activities and relation-
and advice, as long as evaluations. Social support ships with others. The individual who keeps texting,
plays an important role in reducing an individual’s messaging online, refuses to talk with or maintain a
stress level, regulating an individual’s mood, and pro- relationship with one’s parents or peers, risks dam-
viding individuals with sufficient support. A study aging existing relationships, and causing more family
done by Leimeister, Schweizer, and Kracmar (2008) conflict, bullying, and isolation (Leung, 2011). Inad-
found that virtual communities and relationships equate family warmth and lack of friends are associ-
helped meet patient’s social needs and offered emo- ated with increased loneliness and more severe
tional support; further, the information passed by vir- individual addiction to the Internet (Caplan, 2003).
tual communities was of great importance in helping In addition, the quality and context of online com-
patients cope with illness. munication or virtual talk are quite different from real
Nevertheless, too much reliance on online social life social interactions and may not fulfill the emo-
interaction can increase people’s loneliness. Loneli- tional needs of human beings. According to Harris
ness is a sense of deprivation in one’s social relation- and Sherblom (2005), synchronicity, media richness
ships (Murphy & Kupshik, 1992). According to Moore and social presence available through the medium
and Schultz’s study (1983), lonely adolescents with are three key factors that shape the interactions that
little social support in real life are less confident of occur. Synchronicity can be defined as the ability of
their performances in face-to-face interactions and interactions to occur in real time (Harris & Sherblom,
prefer communicating with people online to gain emo- 2005). Media richness can be understood as the
tional support and build caring companionships. number of details the medium carries about the
From one side, interacting with others online, making members of the group. Face-to-face communication
friends, and sharing interests may be a good way for is very high in media richness (e.g. words, voice, and
lonely adolescents to gain the emotional and social gestures), whereas telephone conversation is not as
support that they cannot get in real life in order to ful- rich (e.g. words and voice), and text-based conversa-
fill their psychological needs. Previous research also tion is very lean on detail (i.e. only words). Social
found lonely individuals preferred online interaction presence requires the medium to form emotional con-
to face-to-face interaction more than non-lonely indi- nections between members (McArthur, 2009). Those
viduals, and this may due to the fluidity of online three factors can be understood as qualitative ele-
identities and anonymity in online interaction (Leung, ments that measure the quality of an interaction. Re-
2011). Lonely individuals can build online identities garding these three elements, the quality of online
that are difficult to achieve in real life; they also per- social interactions is challenged. Online social inter-
ceive online communication as the “Prozac of social actions often occur with delay, lack media richness
communication” (Morahan-Martin & Schumacher, (most are text-based), and seldom build emotional
2000, p.20), which makes them feel “safe” and brings connections between the conversation members. Ad-
less stress than face-to-face communication (Caplan, ditional information (e.g., eye contact, body language,
2003; Morahan-Martin & Schumacher, 2000). How- and facial expression) also plays an important role in
ever, Kim (2009) found that the strong and excessive interpersonal communication. It helps people express
Internet use of lonely individuals could lead to nega- their emotions and show concern towards others
tive life outcomes, such as harming others, and there- more authentically and fully. For example, smiling as
fore, isolate them from healthy social activities and a form of non-verbal communication can be a way of
increase their loneliness. The findings suggest, even showing friendliness and has positive effects on oth-
though online virtual communication temporarily ful- ers (Ekman, Davidson, & Friesen, 1990; Ekman &
fills individuals’ social needs, it cannot teach people Friesen, 1982; Ekman, Friesen, & Ancoli, 1980). This
Notes d’idées - Spring 2013 9
Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 10
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Kim, J., LaRose, R., & Peng, W. (2009). Loneliness as the
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cause and the effect of problematic Internet use:
friends, one can enjoy the care and intimacy through The relationship between Internet use and psycho-
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tions, provided places for self-presentations and kept of virtual relationships in online communities. Infor-
people in touch with their friends. However, it has also mation Technology & People, 21(4), 350-374.
brought some problems, such as the split between Leung, L. (2011). Loneliness, social support, and prefer-
ence for online social interaction: The mediating ef-
online and offline identities, loneliness and low-qual-
fects of identity experimentation online among
ity social interactions. In the future, with the develop-
children and adolescents. Chinese Journal of Commu-
ment of new technology, the ways for people to nication, 4(4), 381-399.
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10 Mind Pad – Spring 2013Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 11
What Impact do Modern Technologies have
on Potential and Present Sufferers when
Encouraging Abnormal Eating Behaviours?
Carly Rebecca Jacuk B.A.
Concordia University
Abstract concern is the phenomenon of pro-anorexia and pro-
There is concern surrounding the prevalence of pro-eat- bulimia websites that encourage eating disorders and
ing disorder websites and their harmful nature. This ar- exist on social networking websites, blogs, and web-
ticle discusses the negative effects that may be sites that are independently created (Morris, 2009).
experienced by viewers and incorporates study results There is apprehension surrounding the manner of in-
pertaining to internet behaviour, identity, socialization, volvement in these online communities as it consists
treatment and recovery from eating disorders, and the of documenting one’s current and ideal weight and
effects of exposure to mass media. The findings from the amount of calories ingested in daily food journals
these sources indicate that the concern within the global (Fading Beauty, 2008; Pro Ana, n.d.). As a result of
community is warranted, as they support the premise this disapproval, the effects of viewing these websites
of negative effects on potential and current sufferers. have been studied. They consist of encouraging the
Further research is necessary to address the implica- further development of present disorders and in-
tions of these effects on those who are vulnerable to de- creasing eating-related thoughts and behaviours while
veloping an eating disorder. developing a lowered self-esteem for members in gen-
eral (Harper, Sperry, & Thompson, 2008). There is
______________________________________________________
also a lowered probability that those living with
Résumé anorexia will seek treatment, resulting in a higher
Il y a une préoccupation entourant la prévalence des prevalence rate of health complications (Brown,
sites Web sur les troubles proboulimiques et leur nature Mehler, & Hill Harris, 2000). This article addresses
visible. Cet article décrit des effets négatifs que les usa- these effects by critically analyzing research findings
gers pourraient éprouver et intègre les résultats from numerous perspectives. The validity of the neg-
d’études relativement au comportement, à l’identité, à ative attention they are receiving is explored in order
la socialisation, au traitement et à l’habilitation des trou- to develop a deeper understanding of their implica-
bles de l’alimentation et les effets de l’exposition aux tions.
médias sociaux. Les conclusions de ces sources indi- Pro-eating disorder websites have become increas-
quent que les préoccupations au sein de la communauté ingly pervasive as the internet has grown; most no-
mondiale sont justifiées, étant donné qu’elles appuient table is the 470% increase in prevalence rate between
la prémisse d’effets négatifs sur les victimes potentielles the years of 2006-2007 (Morris, 2009). One in three
et actuelles. Il faut davantage de recherche pour se pen- female Internet users between the ages of 6 and 15
cher sur les conséquences de ces effets sur ceux qui (n=1500) has reportedly searched the Internet for
sont vulnérables à développer un trouble de l’alimenta- weight-loss advise, and 35.5% of patients with eating
tion. disorders have visited pro-anorexia websites (Morris,
__________________________________________________ 2009). Overtime the negative effects of these web-
sites have become more clear (Davis, 2008): the re-
sults of a study conducted at Stanford University and
As the internet continues to grow and develop, its the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital suggest that
contents also become more variant and original – pro-anorexia websites hinder the success of recovery
sometimes to the point of controversy. Of particular (Goodstein, 2007). Hospitalization was also found to
Notes d’idées - Spring 2013 11Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 12
be three times more common for website members identity is established through the “Thinspiration”
than non-users (Goodstein, 2007). The authors found (My Friend, Ana/Thinspiration, n.d.) that is readily
that 40% of patients living with an eating disorder are available to members and consists of images, tips,
also members of pro-anorexia websites, 61% of quotations, message boards, and more. The mem-
which have learned new techniques for weight-loss bers are encouraged to recite ‘Ana’s Creed’, which be-
and purging through these websites (Goodstein, littles the individual with statements such as, “I
2007). Another study found that 35% of those living believe that I am the most vile, worthless, and useless
with anorexia who visit pro-anorexia websites also person ever to have existed on the planet, and that I
visit pro-recovery websites; however pro-anorexia web- am totally unworthy of anyone’s time and attention”
sites are much more abundant than pro-recovery web- (Uca, 2004; Pro Ana Lifestyle, 2007). Members re-
sites with a 5:1 ratio (Wilson, Peebles, Hardy, & Litt, peatedly state, “It’s a lifestyle, not a disease!” (Uca,
2006). The demographics of pro-anorexia website 2004; Pro Ana Lifestyle, 2007) and “it’s not depriva-
viewers has been gathered from the information pro- tion; it’s liberation!” (Fading Beauty, 2008), and argue
vided by the members on their profiles. Though cau- strongly that anorexia nervosa is a form of self-ex-
tion must be taken in assuming the validity of the pression. When we look to those active in body mod-
members’ reports, they show that the cohort group ification for acceptance of this perspective, activists
most often visiting these websites are girls and young are quick to refute it and voice that starving one’s self
women. This causes concern because it is at these is unhealthy (Modify, n.d.). Despite this, those living
stages in life when the basis for self-conception is with anorexia view side effects like the loss of hair
formed and when individuals are most sensitive to so- and growth of lanugo hair as positive changes and as
cial comparison. Though weight-related concerns are an indication of progress towards obtaining their goal
common for this age group, eating disorders are a (DeMello, 2007). Members speak proudly of these
psychiatric disorder and cannot be developed by the developments on the forums and group polarization
majority of the population. Individuals with strong can be applied here as well: individuals who are not
feelings of isolation, lack of control, and being mis- experiencing these side effects may progress further
understood are most susceptible (Dias, 2003). This into their illness to achieve the same results as their
is especially true when the disorder presents with co- fellow members (Mulveen et al., 2006).
morbid depression, an anxiety disorder, and/or ob- Those living with anorexia are also less likely to
sessive-compulsive disorder, though these are not seek recovery due to the anonymity offered by the In-
essential to its development (Lock, Le Grange, Agras, ternet because it provides them with an added tool to
& Dare, 2001). These websites have the ability to ex- keep their illness hidden from those close to them in
ploit these characteristics in an individual by playing their daily lives (Rodham et al., 2008). Online, indi-
on their vulnerabilities and then justifying the illness viduals feel as though they are able to reveal as much
as a lifestyle. about themselves as they desire (Joinson, 2003)
Denying that anorexia is an illness acts as a large since they do not face any social consequences in a
contributor to sustaining the disorder, and usually ap- place where social norms do not exist (Bargh,
pears once the disorder has become severe. These McKenna, & Fitzsimons, 2002). This occurrence is
websites promote denial right from the beginning, detrimental for a number of reasons, particularly
making interventions and initial diagnosis much more concerning the physical health complication that are
difficult (Kolodny, 2004). By hiding their illness from likely to arise: the resulting imbalance of potassium
people offline and employing tips and tricks to appear (K+) in the body may account for heart arrhythmias,
healthy, the recovery process is slowed down because kidney damage, and renal failure if the imbalance
friends and family are less likely to notice changes in lasts for an extended period. Those who sustain an
their behaviour and appearance (Rodham, Rodham, eating disorder for a prolonged amount of time begin
Rodham, & Poyer, 2008). To complicate matters, pro- to suffer from the effects of malnutrition. For this rea-
anorexia websites assure the individual with an eating son they are prone to develop illnesses that result
disorder that anyone offering aid actually has bad in- from having a lowered immune system, reduced body
tentions in mind and should not be trusted. This may fat, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (Brown et
also be a result of group polarization where, once a al., 2000). Anaemia and osteoporosis tend to be
group identity is established, members feel pressure prominent as a result of decreased iron, B12, and
to conform and then begin to compare their views calcium intake (Brown et al., 2000). It can be in-
with those of others (Mulveen et al., 2006). Group ferred that these websites pose an immense health
12 Mind Pad – Spring 2013Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 13
and safety risk to their members who struggle with websites has been contrasted with research findings
anorexia and cannot be recognized as morally sound. from fashion media studies to gage their severity. In
Unfortunately, the individuals involved in these one of these studies, women who view pro-anorexia
websites are oblivious to the negative impact: those websites were compared with women who view fash-
members who are currently suffering from anorexia ion or home decorating websites. Findings indicated
nervosa exhibit an ambivalent attitude toward their that viewers of pro-anorexia websites demonstrated
illness (Fox, Ward, & O’Rourke, 2005). This ambiva- an increased level of negative effects, including lower
lence can be seen through the coexistence of the de- self-esteem and lower appearance self-efficacy, than
termination to progress deeper into (or maintain) the those who viewed fashion websites (Bardone-Cone et
disorder and the understanding that the behaviour is al., 2007). Women who viewed pro-anorexia websites
damaging and unhealthy (Fox et al., 2005). Despite were also more likely to exercise, question their
their understanding of the potential medical compli- weight, view themselves as being overweight, and
cations, these members strongly reject being de- compare their image with that of others more often
picted as sick or as having a disease (Fox et al., (Bardone-Cone et al., 2007). Two other studies found
2005). They also deny the theory that their starvation negative effects consistent with these results when
is for beauty or thinness, and indicate that their eat- they compared the viewing of pro-eating disorder
ing disorder is the result of harmful past experiences websites to the viewing of neutral websites. One study
and the attempt to achieve control (Fox et al., 2005). compared pro-eating disorder websites with profes-
These individuals turn to pro-anorexia websites as a sional websites and found that the pro-eating disorder
coping strategy to deal with the negative stigma as- websites demonstrated greater negative conse-
sociated with the disorder (Dias, 2003). The websites quences in terms of body image and eating-related
also compensate for society’s perceived lack of un- thoughts and behaviours (Harper et al., 2008). The
derstanding that contributes to their feelings of deal- second study found that these results were consistent
ing with the eating disorder alone (Dias, 2003). among the viewers of pro-anorexia websites regard-
Pro-anorexia websites offer their members social ac- less of whether or not they were realistically over-
ceptance, reversing the effects of the hostility they weight and whether or not they had an existing eating
may feel in the real world. The websites also have a disorder (Bardone-Cone et al., 2007). These study
non-judgemental social network established within results make it clear that the negative effects of view-
them, in that individuals can confide in the other ing fashion media are exacerbated in individuals who
members who claim to understand, care, and actively view pro-anorexia websites.
listen (Drentea & Moren-Cross, 2005). For these rea- Despite the detrimental effects of pro-anorexia
sons, some people believe that the extinction of these websites, the right to free speech allows people to
websites would be disadvantageous, as the fear of in- voice their opinions online regarding anorexia (Motz,
timacy that stems from the isolation associated with 2008) and so an internet patrol group cannot be or-
the illness can make these websites a refuge for suf- ganized to manage their expansion. However, many
ferers who otherwise might not have social support pro-anorexia websites have been shut down by online
(Motz, 2008). The aforementioned study whose find- databases such as Facebook, Daily Motion, LiveJour-
ings indicated that pro-anorexia websites hinder re- nal, and Myspace, and are no longer recognized by
covery contradicts this belief. It is evident that this certain search engines. This is in accordance with the
temporary retreat from reality (Brotsky & Giles, 2007) databases’ Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.
presents a false sense of community (Kolodny, 2004) This acts to disenable the movement by creating bar-
that pushes sufferers further away from exploring riers to actively seek out these websites while protect-
treatment options. This has the contrary effect of iso- ing other users from harmful or distressing material
lating them from reality while they live out their online (Morris, 2009). Unfortunately, these efforts go gen-
lives and become increasingly oblivious to the seri- erally unnoticed: as websites are being deleted, num-
ousness of their behaviours (Clarke, 2008). bers of others are being created (Morris, 2009). The
Other media has been scrutinized for instilling un- large amount of website-building software that is
healthy ideals into the minds of their viewers as well. freely available allows individuals to recreate pro-
For example, fashion magazines were found to be a anorexia websites whenever formerly existing sites are
strong force in instilling the idea of obtaining the per- demolished, making it nearly impossible to end this
fect body in the minds of their readers (Field et al., online movement. The rationale for wanting these
1999). The effects seen from pro-eating disorder websites prohibited is understandable: self-destruc-
Notes d’idées - Spring 2013 13Mind Pad_Dec 2012 13-06-10 12:03 PM Page 14
tive information and viewpoints are easily accessible DeMello, M. (2007). Encyclopedia of body adornment (pp.
to vulnerable individuals and can trigger or encourage 17). Greenwood Publishing Group.
the progress of an eating disorder. This is seen De Zwaan, M. & Mitchell, J. E. (1999). Medical evaluation
through their promotion of anorexia as a lifestyle and of the patient with an eating disorder: An overview.
Eating disorders: A guide to medical care and complica-
outstanding achievement, and by providing an envi-
tions (pp. 44-62).
ronment for social comparison/competition sur-
Drentea, P. & Moren-Cross, J.L. (2005). Social capital and
rounding calorie restriction (Rich, 2006). Despite the
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the development of an eating disorder. Further re- maker, S. L., Colditz, G. A. (1999). Exposure to the
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