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The Association Between Social Media Usage on Food Choice Motivations and Dietary Carbon Footprints in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Social media has become a powerful tool shaping adolescents' food preferences and consequently the environmental impacts of their diets. This study aimed to examine the relationship between social media usage habits, food choice motivations, and the environmental impact of the diet, specifically the carbon footprint, in adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 216 adolescents aged 14–18 years in Istanbul between January and April 2025. Data were collected using the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and a 24-hour dietary recall. The dietary carbon footprint was calculated using the Data FIELDS database and scientific literatüre. Of the participants, 60.6% were female. Females had significantly higher rates of being influenced by social media in food choices (p < 0.001) and total FCQ scores (p = 0.025) compared to males. Regarding social media platforms, TikTok usage was associated with higher ethical concern and mood scores (p < 0.001), while Instagram usage was associated with weight control (p = 0.012). Daily internet use of 180 minutes was associated with higher price (p = 0.001) and weight control (p = 0.003) motivations. Notably, a significant negative correlation was found between health motivation and carbon footprint (r = −0.173, p = 0.011). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that an increase in health score was associated with a reduction in carbon footprint (β = −0.204, p = 0.003), independent of gender, BMI, and social media influence. Social media platforms serve as a determinant digital environment in adolescents' food preferences. The finding that health-oriented choices reduce carbon footprints indicates that promoting healthy eating on social media will benefit both individual and planetary health.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph23030400