How social media in China shapes eating disordersCEFR A2
15 Apr 2026
Adapted from Lina Ma, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Declan Sun, Unsplash
Social media in China has changed how people talk about eating disorders. Platforms such as Xiaohongshu show posts that describe strict routines and small daily intakes, sometimes with headlines like "160 cm/33 kg" or "160/29 kg daily intake."
Many users write daily check-ins that record weight and calories, for example "Day 12: 500 kcal, no carbs." Comment sections can praise restriction and call it willpower. Communities also use emojis and short codes to hide from moderation.
Research finds more teenagers with eating problems. Experts say removing posts is not enough and that schools, families and society must support young people.
Difficult words
- platform — website or app where people share contentPlatforms
- routine — usual order of actions each dayroutines
- intake — amount of food or drink someone eatsintakes
- check-in — short daily message about current statuscheck-ins
- restriction — a rule or action that limits behavior
- moderation — process of checking and removing bad content
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen daily check-ins on social media? How did they make you feel?
- What can schools and families do to support young people?
- Do you think removing posts is enough to help teenagers? Why or why not?
Related articles
Yale reveals molecular structure of cholera flagella
Yale researchers imaged the molecular structure of Vibrio cholerae flagella in living bacteria. The study shows how flagella proteins sit inside a hydrophilic sheath and suggests the sheath helps the bacterium move and infect cells.
Cholera spreads where water and health systems fail
Cholera spread widely in 2024, with 560,823 reported cases and 6,028 deaths. Conflict, climate shocks and damaged water and health services drove outbreaks, while vaccines and better water and sanitation are key to preventing deaths.
