Abstract:With the rapid rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, social media has become a dominant source of health and nutrition information, particularly among adolescents and young adults. These platforms use engagement-based algorithms to amplify content, often prioritizing viral appeal over scientific accuracy. This critical analysis examines the global health implications of algorithm-driven nutrition content, specifically its impact on the behaviours, beliefs, and wellness outcomes of young people. The study evaluates both harmful and constructive trends, with a focus on widely circulated content, such as “What I Eat in a Day,” “Girl Dinner,” and influencer-led dietary advice like carnivore, keto, and detox diets. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on high-engagement videos, assessing nutritional accuracy, cultural framing, and target demographics. Findings reveal that misleading or restrictive diet content disproportionately targets young women, normalizes disordered eating behaviours, and distorts public understanding of evidence-based nutrition. However, social media also serves as a platform for positive trends, including cultural food revival, affordable meal prep education, and accessible gut health promotion. This duality highlights the need for public health interventions that enhance youth media literacy, promote culturally relevant health messaging, and advocate for greater transparency in algorithms. By addressing the risks and amplifying the benefits of digital nutrition environments, global health practitioners can more effectively engage with youth populations and promote healthier, more informed dietary behaviours across diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
Keywords: Global Health Nutrition, Algorithm-Driven Content, Nutrition Misinformation, Social Media and Health, Adolescent Health, Digital Media Literacy
