Scientists are increasingly concerned that food-related content on social media will make us think differently about food. Social media algorithms promote the content that users interact with the most, so seeing more unhealthy foods means seeing more on our social networks, Pancer says. Anyone who's ever been attracted to a TikTok gastronomic trend knows how tempting it is to try the latest item promoted on social media. Food and beverage brands are taking advantage of this trend by marketing their products on social media to teens.
This review aimed to investigate the role of food and beverage advertisements on social networks in influencing adolescents' food choices by evaluating published literature. It doesn't help that healthier foods are considered boring by comparison, while processed foods are considered great, says Tina Tessitore, associate professor of marketing at the School of Management of the Institut d'Économie Scientifique Et de Gestion (IESEG) in Lille (France). Bright, fun and fun food and drink options can stand out on social media; influencers can alter public perceptions and drive trends.
