
In today’s social media influenced world, trends, viral videos and repeatedly shared content play a big part in everyday conversation to the point of actually influencing the way we move through day to day life — hence the term “influencer.”
Influencers are those who produce the content online which gains a strong following or popular review. There are influencers for pretty much every hobby, activity and niche topic — in this article, we are going to focus on those who film what are known as “Mukbangs” and ASMR eating videos.
Because as harmless as a snippet of watching someone eat may sound, there’s actually a potential hidden danger to absorbing too much of this content.
What are Mukbang videos?
The term Mukbang which “originated in South Korea and translates to “eating shows,” involves content creators posting videos, sometimes more than an hour long, of themselves eating mostly junk food. In some instances, they take on exorbitant amounts.”
With the availability of internet content over wide margins, it took little time for these trends to reach American content creators.
For example, Mukbang “has become even more popular by YouTube and TikTok content creators using the term more loosely with their casual “eat with me” and “have a meal with me” videos that have more average-sized meals. By mid-August, there were over 4 million videos on TikTok with the mukbang hashtag.”
While it might seem like silly, harmless entertainment online to consume while wasting time, there are actually a number of issues Mukbang videos may cause/promote.
Why is the Mukbang trend problematic?
Despite its entertainment value, the mukbang trend presents several problems for content creators and viewers alike.
Health concerns
There exists a potentially negative health impact on both the content creators and their viewers. Mukbang often involves consuming excessive amounts of food in one sitting, which can lead to problems like obesity, digestive issues and other diet-related diseases.
For the creators, regularly participating in such eating habits increases the risk of developing these health complications. Additionally, these videos may normalize overeating for viewers, especially impressionable young audiences, fostering unhealthy attitudes towards food.
Waste
Mukbang videos often involve extravagant displays of food, much of which may not be consumed. This practice contributes to the global issue of food waste, as large amounts of perfectly edible food are either thrown away or left uneaten. In a world where food insecurity remains a pressing issue, the spectacle of wasting food for entertainment can be seen as irresponsible and ethically questionable.
Psychological impact
The mukbang trend can also have psychological impacts on both the creators and the viewers. Content creators may feel pressured to continuously up the ante by consuming ever-larger portions to maintain audience interest, leading to stress and unhealthy relationships with food.
For viewers, watching mukbang videos can trigger unhealthy eating patterns or exacerbate existing issues such as binge eating disorders. Additionally, the glorification of excessive consumption can perpetuate negative body image issues and distorted perceptions of normal eating habits.
Influence on eating habits
Finally, mukbang can influence viewers’ eating habits in ways that do not meet needed nutritional requirements and promote unhealthy lifestyles. The normalization of consuming large quantities of food in one sitting can challenge conventional dietary advice and lead to confusion about portion control and balanced nutrition. This impact is particularly concerning for younger audiences who may still be developing their understanding of healthy eating practices.
What about ASMR videos — are they problematic?
ASMR eating videos are a subgenre of ASMR content, which generally aims to produce a sense of calm or satisfaction through auditory or visual stimuli. These videos typically feature close-up shots of creators eating foods that produce distinct sounds, like crunching, slurping or chewing. The auditory experience is often enhanced digitally in order to immerse the viewer in the eating experience.
ASMR eating videos gained popularity due to their rumored ability to produce relaxation and relieve stress. Many viewers report experiencing a sense of calmness, reduced anxiety and even improved sleep quality after watching these videos. The combination of soothing sounds and the rhythmic nature of eating can create a comforting environment for some.
So while ASMR eating videos might seem harmless at first, they are not. One concern is the encouragement of unhealthy eating habits. Some videos showcase excessive or rapid consumption of large quantities of food, which can promote binge-eating behaviors or normalize overeating.
Additionally, the competitive nature of content creation can drive some content creators to eat increasingly extravagant or bizarre meals to gain views. This can lead to unhealthy dietary practices, not only for the creators, but also for viewers who might be influenced to try extreme eating challenges themselves.
For individuals struggling with eating disorders, ASMR eating videos can be particularly triggering. as exposure to eating-focused content can exacerbate symptoms or reinforce harmful behaviors. For example, the portrayal of food consumption in ASMR eating videos can serve as a constant reminder of their own struggles with food. The meticulous attention to the sounds of eating and the visual emphasis on food can heighten anxiety and preoccupation with eating habits.
Moreover, ASMR eating videos often lack a balanced representation of healthy eating practices. The focus is primarily on the sensory experience rather than nutritional value or mindful eating. This can perpetuate unrealistic perceptions of food consumption and contribute to the normalization of unhealthy eating patterns.
Have you been caught in the content trap?
These videos can be enthralling, but they offer little benefit to the viewers (or the content creators) in the long run. As can be seen, they actually may cause long term problems, especially for those who already struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
If this is your situation, help is available. Get in touch with Seeds of Hope.