Dangers of Pro-Mia Websites

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

With the ease and accessibility of the internet, limitless information is literally available to us at our fingertips. Many of us are engrossed in a smart phone or electronic device day and night that serves as a life-line to the world that is the internet.

Indeed, we are saturated with a plethora or unfiltered material that comes to us quicker than we have the time to process what we are seeing, reading, or sharing.

A Retaliation Against the Internet’s Helpful Purposes

While the evolution of the internet has undoubtedly been used for helpful purposes that have advanced as a society, like any powerful force, there has also been a retaliation of harmful and negative consequences.

For the countless women and men who may be genetically predisposed to developing an eating disorder, many of the crafted images, advertisements, messages, etc. can be enough to trigger someone into a downward slippery slope.

Underground Support of Eating Disorder Behaviors

One dark corner of the internet have been websites that are markedly characterized by information that supports eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. Individuals who stumble along these pages might use such information in a potentially harmful way towards themselves, particularly if they are at a biological risk for developing an eating disorder in the first place.

Whether looked for intentionally or unintentionally, “Pro-Mia” or “Pro-Ana” websites are dangerous distractions from the genuine help and attention that is often sought among sufferers.

How These Sites Contribute to the Stigma of Eating Disorders

If you or someone you love has looked towards these websites for information or spent a significant amount of time participating in this part of the internet, consider the ways in which these behaviors are helping or harming you.

While the information available of these particular websites may seem harmless, the reality is that they may be contributing to the misinformation about eating disorders or creating more stigma and shame.

If you are looking for a community of people to share in, consider joining the Eating Disorder Hope Pro-Recovery Movement, a group of individuals who support life, hope, and recovery from an eating disorder. Know that you are not alone and that there is an entire community of people here who want to rally behind you and help you truly thrive in life.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What do you think are helpful ways for countering the Pro-Mia or Pro-Ana websites that support eating disorders?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 1st, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com