We might live to share picture-perfect shots of food on Instagram, but what a lot of us have never considered is the fact that social media is actually changing how we eat and drink as a society. There’s no doubt that technology is changing the way we go about our everyday lives, but I personally never realised it was changing the way in which we eat.  

 

At the beginning of the year, research found that 83% of the UK’s adult population are active on social media. While we are using this platform to stay in contact with each other, we are also posting snaps of our days in a way to ‘boast’ about our activities, whether this is regarding our latest adventure or most recent choice of food. (I know that I am ALWAYS sharing shots of the food I’m eating to my Instagram…)

 

Here, with plastic glasses suppliers, Inn Supplies that sell a range of plastic cutlery, I discuss how social media is indeed changing our eating and drinking habits.

 

Meal portions

 

A study has shown that highly active social media users are actually eating smaller portions. This is due to the fact they aren’t willing to part with enough time to eat a large meal. Whether this is the case or not, it’s concerning to think that people are putting their social media addiction ahead of gaining the nutrients needed.

 

I personally find myself eating smaller meals if I plan on posting them to social media as I worry about people judging the amount of food that I eat.

Food envy

 

With cameras often snapping meals all over the world, it’s a phenomenon we simply can’t avoid. Stats found that in America, half of the population take pictures of their food, with food they’ve cooked being the most photographed meal. As well as this, over one in five US residents share images of the food they’ve received at a party or wedding. (I myself will always share photos of food on my social media, as long as the food looks Instagrammable, of course!)

 

Often, this can provide us (the viewer) with a sense of food envy. We appreciate a good thing when we see it, and often, due to social media, we can get cravings for certain food and drink. After all, nowadays it’s seen as an art form, with dinners being specifically laid out to wow the recipient. I know that I personally get food envy from social media – I can never quite grasp how some people can make their food look so pretty. 

 

Choice of food

 

The good news is that social media helping us to eat healthier – because while we keep sharing images of our delicious dishes, we are also sharing recipes, education, tips and a whole lot more.

 

Kathy Smart, CEO of Live the Smart Way says: “You are more apt to try a recipe or a new food when you see a picture of it and have a friend or person you trust recommend trying it or how to use it.”

 

The key fact is that a lot of recipes being shared are quick and easy to make, which is appealing to the majority. Putting an image alongside them is quickly grabbing our attention as healthy foods are often the most photogenic due to their vibrant colours.

 

Career

 

With the advances in technology, being a social media influencer is now classified as a job for some. This role allows the user to establish credibility and persuade a large audience to purchase goods. Some influencers, including Shisodelicious, have an estimated value of over £20,000.  

 

To be a social media influencer, you must share your life transparently in order for companies to recognise your ‘importance’.

 

With more of us using social media daily, it’ll be interesting to see how our future diets are affected because of technology.