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How social media in China shapes eating disorders — Level A1 — A red sign with a white arrow pointing to the left

How social media in China shapes eating disordersCEFR A1

15 Apr 2026

Adapted from Lina Ma, Global Voices CC BY 3.0

Photo by Declan Sun, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
72 words
  • Social media in China changes talk about eating disorders.
  • Some pages present thinness as a lifestyle.
  • Users post daily notes of food and weight.
  • People write check-ins with weight and food.
  • Comments often praise strict food rules.
  • Young users use codes and emojis to hide.
  • Platforms try to remove harmful posts.
  • Experts say removal alone is not enough.
  • Some users join small hidden groups online.
  • This trend worries parents and teachers.

Difficult words

  • eating disordera mental illness about food and weight
    eating disorders
  • thinnessbeing very thin or low body weight
  • check-ina short message about your current status
    check-ins
  • stricthaving firm and exact rules
  • emojismall pictures used in messages
    emojis
  • hidden groupa small private online community
    hidden groups

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you use social media?
  • Have you seen people write their weight online?
  • Would you tell a parent or teacher if you saw harmful posts?

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