Columbus State University psychology professor expresses concern over dangerous TikTok trend, 'SkinnyTok'

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A now band hashtag on TikTok called "SkinnyTok," is a side of social media that idolizes extreme thinness, according to the National Alliance of Eating Disorders.

While the trend is banned on TikTok, most of the content is accessible on other platforms and is causing concerns for health professionals, who say that it can push harmful eating habits to vulnerable teenagers.

Health experts warn that the app's algorithm can trap users in a constant stream of content that shows extreme dieting, weight loss challenges and body comparisons.

This can normalize certain behaviors from users and create what experts call an illusory majority.

"It is damaging because it's encouraging dangerous behavior. And it's encouraging people to behave as if they have anorexia nervosa an