One of the many controversial issues social networking has developed is the idea of support groups online. Websites such as Facebook, Myspace, and Tumblr have made it easier for those experiencing issues similar to others to reach out and lend a helping hand. However, in some cases, the helping hand may be leading others in the wrong direction.
I was really blown away by the Seeking Thinsporation article. Last semester I had written an article for the Ramapo News focusing on the difference between Thinspo and Fitspo blogs and just what they were capable of doing to their readers. I myself struggled from a body image disorder, and looked to these blogs for support until realizing just what “Thinsporation” really was – pro anorexia.
While in theory, the idea of a support group online is a good idea because users are easily accessible, there are many ways eating and body-image disorders can be “supported” or rather encouraged. After reading this specific article I took it upon myself to research these support groups on Tumblr and Facebook. Tumblr is a big deal for these kinds of groups because they are able to post photograph after photograph of sickly thin girls as inspiration and motivation to reach the number one goal, to be thin. The Facebook groups such as “Fashion and Thinspo,” “Ballet Thinspo,” and “Thinsporation: A New Life” (to name a few) are also used to post photos however they are generally used for commenting and verbal support. During the article, it was stated that MySpace was used primarily for these pro anorexia groups and I wonder if this is still relevant today, especially when considering that MySpace is less popular than Facebook, which means those who are seeking to shut down these groups wont think to look there because of its low popularity.
However, after reading about Net Neutrality – the preservation of rights to communicate freely online – these women do in fact have te right to support or encourage one another. Where is the line driven? Where do we intervene?
*My article: http://ramaponews.com/viewpoints/thinspiration-can-be-dangerous-and-unhealthy-1.3030035#.UkCFQn-Dnrh
jhorniacek 