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Even though the internet is a common source of information and treatment for people with eating disorder (ED) experience, the motives for illness-related searches have rarely been investigated beyond the perceived negatives. This study explores how women with ED experience reflect upon the advantages and disadvantages of their ED-related internet use. We expand the framework of the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UG) into the context of users with ED experience through 30 semi-structured interviews with women with ED experience, aged 16 to 28, who live in the Czech Republic. Thematic analysis revealed four themes related to the pros and cons of their internet usage: ED-related Information Content; Internet Features Important to Users; Body Image; and Social Interaction. The results challenge the binary view of ED-related internet use and question some presumptions of UG Theory within the specific context of users with ED experience.

Internet usage may have both positive and negative impacts on people with eating disorders. In research to date, most of the focus has been put on the harms connected with platforms that support people in continuing their disorder. Less studied have been the benefits of other technology platforms used by people with eating disorders. When these different platforms were investigated, users were rarely interviewed about their experience. To fill this gap, we conducted 30 interviews with participants aged 16 to 28, all female, living in the Czech Republic. The interviews focused on their experiences with the harmful and helpful impacts of the internet on the course of their eating disorders. The data were analyzed via thematic analysis. The results provided insight into the participants' experience with the following online environments: 1) nonprofessional pro-eating disorder platforms; 2) nonprofessional pro-recovery platforms; 3) social networking sites (SNS); 4) platforms for counting calories and setting weight goals; 5) platforms about food, exercise, and lifestyle; and 6) platforms providing professional help. The participants noted many benefits these platforms could provide; however, their ability to achieve the benefits was affected by their motivation for treatment. As a result, even platforms designed to support recovery could be used for illness maintenance. The results are discussed in the context of research on the changing motivations for recovery in people with eating disorders and the theory of different processes connected to the course of the eating disorders according to the differential interactivity of digital platforms.

The aim of this study was to explore how professionals working with clients who suffer from eating disorders reflect the impact of digital technologies on their clients. Interviews with 30 professionals were conducted. A qualitative analysis revealed the following areas: (a) the attributes of technologies that influence people with eating disorders, (b) the characteristics of people with eating disorders that influence their interaction with digital technologies, (c) the risks of technology usage, and (d) the benefits of technology usage. The results are discussed with respect to the Rodgers’s theoretical model explaining technology–eating disorder relations and the implications for practice.

This chapter provides concluding remarks concerning the topics discussed throughout the whole book. First, it discusses the complexity of the studied problematic areas and points out several issues important to consider in the assessment of the impact of technology—specifically, what users perceive as beneficial might not be seen as beneficial from the point of view of society. Second, technology usage is a complex process that can result in a variety of outcomes, which may be either intended or unintended. Third, it is crucial to consider these factors on individual, social, and national levels, which are all connected to eating behaviors and technology usage. The chapter then summarizes the major risks and benefits related to topics discussed in each chapter. It specifies how digital technology usage depends on the needs, motivations, and goals of its users, which determine both the expected benefits and potential risks of their usage. This is shown in every major topic of this book, including selection and evaluation of information online, impact of media on body image, membership in online groups and communities, as well as usage of mobile health tools and applications. Then, the focus is given specifically to risks and benefits connected with usage of digital technology among people with eating disorders, issues for professionals who work with these people, and its potential for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Next, the chapter discusses challenges and limitations of current research on eating behaviors and technologies. In this regard, it is demonstrated how dominant attention is given to risky or beneficial phenomena but that we lack more robust knowledge about “normal eating behaviors,” which means the eating behaviors of the majority of the population. Moreover, methodological aspects are considered, such as problematic measurement and difficulties connected with sampling. Specific attention is given to the potential of further development of technologies, such as usage of smart technologies, new types of wearables, and the impact of augmented and virtual reality. These areas may be influential in the future, but their role has not yet received substantial research attention; therefore, they are not explored within this book. Final remarks are provided with regard to the overall development of technologies and their role in our lives.

Digital technologies have become an integral part of our lives. Many clients with eating disorders use digital technologies daily; the Internet plays an important role in their lives, enhancing (or creating) both positive and negative experiences. This chapter is an attempt to increase our understanding of the roles of digital technologies in the everyday lives of young people who face eating disorders. Most of the research in this area has focused on the manifestations of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa online; much of the research has involved discussion of so-called pro-ED websites (pro-ana, which means supportive of anorexia nervosa, and pro-mia, which refers to websites advocating for bulimia) as well as pro-recovery websites. However, little is known about the range of online behavior performed by those who suffer from an eating disorder. This chapter describes various online activities, including diverse patterns of online behavior and the use of online information, in the context of the risks and possible benefits of digital technology. We first describe users’ motivation. Second, we present the R.F. Rodgers’ model, which includes five theories (sociocultural theory, social identity theory, gratification theory, impression management theory, and self-objectification theory) and three levels of interaction (“non-participatory” use, use of social platforms, and use of specific social platforms). The model discusses risks that adolescents face while online: problems related to social media and Internet use, body image concerns, and eating pathologies. Third, we enrich Rogers’ model and show positive examples of its usage in the context of eating disorders, along with positing a fourth level of interaction related to employment of technologies—application usage. To emphasize the variability of online activities performed by users with eating disorders, we give a voice to some young girls and women who suffer from eating disorders by allowing them to share their experiences and thoughts. In doing so, this chapter enhances our understanding of the role of digital technology in the everyday lives of people facing an eating disorder.

Online groups are diverse online places and platforms where people with common interests or goals meet and share information, materials, or support. The chapter focuses on online groups oriented toward eating behaviors and describes the diversity of eating-oriented online groups that are connected through digital technology. The diverse factors defining the character of the online group are depicted, including type of online platforms used for interaction, size of group, prevailing ties among members, and sense of online community. Then, specific focus is given to the differentiation between eating-oriented online groups according to their goals and topics, which also delineate membership within such groups. In this regard, attention is given to online groups that provide safe places for members who struggle with stigmatization. The chapter shows how these factors are connected with different norms, values, or discourses within the online group. These may be beneficial, for instance, if they reinforce and motivate users in healthy eating habits, but they can be also risky, if they advocate unhealthy types of eating behaviors. The chapter then reviews the literature related to selected social processes within online groups, specifically social comparison, social influence of the group, and the role of the social support provided by the group. The social comparison is discussed with regard to the diversity of the content available in online groups, such as “thinspiration” content. Social influence is discussed in relation to both informational and normative forms of influence, which are linked with previous depictions of norms and information within differently oriented online groups. Finally, Optimal Matching Theory is used to describe the social support, especially with regard to the potential of online groups to offer emotional support. The beneficial and risky outcomes of diverse eating-oriented online groups are illustrated, with specific focus on online groups for overweight or obese people and those suffering from eating disorders. It is depicted how online groups may facilitate empowerment and motivate eating-related efforts—a process which can, however, be connected with reinforcement of harmful perspectives and practices, such as drastic dieting.

The present chapter is intended to provide a theoretical and empirical overview of the link between technologies, body image, and eating behavior, particularly disordered eating. In general terms, body image refers to an individual’s self-perception and cognitive appraisal of his or her own body. On the other hand, disordered eating refers to a wide spectrum of eating patterns characterized as being detrimental to health, such as self-induced vomiting. Both body image and disordered eating have been linked to mass media exposure. The majority of research to date has focused on the influence of mass media on body image attitudes, which, in turn, can shape eating patterns. Nevertheless, the influence of technology on body image and eating behavior goes far beyond mass media technologies. For instance, several decades ago, it was not possible to use the human body to communicate with machines, and now that can be done, using brain-computer interfaces. We have divided this chapter into two major sections. The first explores key concepts related to body image and develops three theoretically and empirically grounded major frameworks: a cognitive-behavioral model, a sociocultural model, and a cognitive neuroscience perspective. In the second section, we use those concepts to demonstrate the influence of both traditional media (e.g., television, magazines), and new media (e.g., the Internet) on body image and disordered eating. Moreover, we provide current evidence showing how immersive digital technologies, such as virtual reality, can be used for improving body image among individuals with eating- and weight-related pathologies. Finally, we provide some hypotheses on how emerging technologies (e.g., smart devices) could influence body image and eating behavior in the future.

The proliferation of digital technology among the population has caused an increased usage of health-oriented software and mobile applications, called mHealth. These are used for health services, information searches, communication about health, and monitoring health-oriented data. This chapter describes the usage of mobile technologies in health-related contexts, with special focus on eating behaviors and eating disorders. First, the chapter uncovers who are the principal users of mHealth apps. The studies report shares of mHealth app users from 20% to 56% in Euro-American countries. They also tend to be younger and have higher education. Next, the chapter identifies the mHealth apps that are used in health-related contexts, such as providing health-related education for patients or healthcare workers, patient monitoring mHealth tools, compliance and adherence apps, apps focused on behavioral change, and apps for remote data collection or monitoring, and also what are mHealth apps for healthy eating, dieting, and eating disorders. The chapter also reveals the functions of mHealth tools which are used to fulfill relevant health-related goals: planning, reminding, monitoring (e.g., calories, weight, BMI, exercise), providing feedback, counting steps, sleep monitoring, or social functions, such as communication and comparing to other users of mHealth. Next, the chapter describes the impact of mHealth tools on its users, which has been mostly found to be positive. The use of mHealth tools has the potential to motivate users toward positive behavioral change, such as weight management and healthy eating. The gamification principles can increase the motivation of mHealth users and improve the effectiveness of mHealth. Concerning eating disorders, the mobile apps can have both positive and negative impacts. Some people with eating disorders use apps to support their illness, but the apps can also help to support their treatment.

The first chapter of this book introduces the role of digital technology in eating behaviors and eating disorders. It provides information concerning the prevalence of digital technology usage within current society and depicts questions that have been asked with regard to the consequences of this behavior. Then it defines the key terms of the book: eating behaviors and eating disorders. With regard to eating behaviors, the chapter illustrates the book’s complex perspective upon the description of the theoretical model, which is comprised of factors on the levels of individuals, social environments, physical environments, and macrosystem. Eating disorders are presented as a specific form of unhealthy eating behaviors and are also described in relation to diverse factors contributing to their development. Then the concepts of eHealth and mHealth are defined and framed within the book’s perspective. Then, it is specified how the book focuses on a broad continuum of possible effects of digital technologies, from those enhancing healthy eating behaviors to those that encourage disordered eating. Finally, the introduction provides a short summary of all book chapters. It specifies what readers can expect from the book’s two main sections, the first of which is focused generally on the role of digital technology in eating behaviors, while the second specifically addresses the issue of this role in eating disorders development, as well as treatment. Specifically, it is described how the book provides deeper insight into issues such as the role of digital technology in health, the problematic nature of information accessible online, the impact of technology on body image, the social influence or social support found in online groups, and the use of mobile technology in eating management. In the second section, specific attention is given to the issue of eating disorders, which are discussed with regard to the experiences with digital technology of users with this disorder, recommendations for healthcare professionals, and a review of prevention and treatment programs using digital technologies.

Clients with eating disorders (ED) make up a group of vulnerable digital technology users. Since digital technologies can play an important role in their lives, the potential impacts of such usage should be discussed in relation to mental healthcare. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage healthcare professionals to reflect on the possible importance of technology-related topics in their clients’ lives and consequently their importance for the treatment process. The present chapter is designed to help professionals better understand the online activities of their clients, to follow developing trends in digital technologies (such as social networking sites, popular websites, and smartphone applications), and to consider both the potential risks and opportunities of their usage. To achieve this aim, the chapter focuses on the most prevalent online behaviors of users with eating disorders. The first section of the chapter presents two types of websites related to eating disorders: pro-ED websites (which are used to support pro-ED behavior) and pro-recovery websites (which support the recovery process). This section gives special attention to the processes which may affect clients’ disorders and treatment, namely, the development of the pro-ED identity, social comparison, practices of sharing negative statements, and practices of sharing tips and tricks. The second section focuses on the use of social networking sites, their specifics, and related practices. The third section presents practices related to use of mobile applications. Within each topic, the chapter provides specific recommendations for healthcare professionals on how to approach technology-related topics with clients who have an eating disorder. The final section of the chapter is based on specific examples formulated by healthcare professionals and discusses why they do not talk about technology-related topics with their clients. It also provides recommendations on how these professionals can approach relevant topics. To enrich the current knowledge on digital technology’s value in treating eating disorders, we use direct quotes from interviews with 30 professionals who work with clients afflicted by an ED.

The present-day reality that young children use digital media has forced parents to balance the risks and opportunities of the content that their children may encounter online. Current studies have mostly been quantitative. They have mainly focused on children aged 9 and older, and have addressed the types of mediation that parents use. However, they have not considered their relation to specific risks and opportunities. In the present study, we have sought to address this discrepancy and to understand the mediation strategies that parents use to shape the online experiences of their children. We focused on the factors that play a role in these mediations of specific risks and opportunities. In-depth semi-structured interviews with the parents of children aged 7–8 and their siblings in the Czech Republic (N=10 families) were conducted in 2014. A thematic analysis identified three main themes: (1) Mediation strategies of technology usage in relation to the mediation of online opportunities and online risks; (2) Time and place management of mediation strategies; and (3) The child as a co-creator of mediation strategies. Our results indicated that parental mediation is a dynamic process that is co-constructed by the parents and children according to context.

Nowadays, the use of digital technology is an important issue that should be addressed during the treatment of people who have eating disorders. The involvement or absence of this issue reflects the understanding, experience, and atttude of health-care professionals toward their clients' use of technology. The aim of the present study was to investigate the perceptions of health-care professionals and their assessment of their clients' usage of digital technology while developing strategies for treatment. Semistructured interviews with 30 professionals were performed from October 2015 to June 2016 and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The health-care professionals' views could be summarized in three thematic groups: (1) technology use is not relevant for the cooperation; (2) technology use is relevant for the cooperation and addressed generally; and (3) technology use is relevant for the cooperation and addressed specifically. The results are discussed in relation to the theoretical model presented by Rodgers about the impact of technology on disordered eating behaviors and the implications for practice.

BackgroundDigitalisation of health services is among the top priorities of the European Union (EU), yet take-up of eHealth tools is slower in some EU countries than others.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the use of information communication technology (ICT) and eHealth tools by Czech GPs, to elucidate their motivation and barriers to the adoption of eHealth technologies.Design & settingA cross-sectional, mixed-design survey study, administered online and conducted with GPs from seven randomly selected Czech regions. Of the invited 777 GPs, 196 participants responded (25% response rate) and 153 completed the survey.MethodQuantitative (measured using, for example, the eHealth readiness scale) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methods were used.ResultsHierarchical multilinear regression (controling for age, sex, and city size) showed that ICT usage in general practice was predicted by eHealth readiness. Among GPs with their own practice, age and practice size also predicted ICT use. Analysis of barriers specific to mobile health tools identified obstacles on the side of GPs (such as low perceived usefulness), patients (such as lack of interest), and contextual barriers (such as lack of time).ConclusionIn addition to system-level change, educating Czech GPs about the benefits of eHealth tools for better patient–provider interaction and quality of care is necessary to facilitate eHealth adoption and usage in the Czech Republic.