1.Exploring Influence of Food-Related Social Media Content on Eating Habits of Undergraduate Students
Yi Li Tan ; David Joseph Pereira ; Hafzan Yusoff
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.2):51-61
Introduction: Social media has become a ubiquitous part of daily life. However, little is known about the influence
of food-related social media content (FRSMC) on the eating habits of Malaysian undergraduates. This study explored
FRSMC usage of undergraduates enrolled in a non-health program, its influence on eating habits, and how such social media content influences dietary behaviours. Method: This qualitative semi-structured interview study involved
chemical engineering (CE) undergraduates at a university in Penang, Malaysia. The study was carried out from April
2021 to March 2022 during which ten participants were purposively selected. Based on precedent qualitative research sampling rule of thumb, this sample size of ten participants provided sufficient data saturation for an initial
exploratory study. The interview sessions were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results: According to study findings, in terms of usage, food advertising and promotions; cooking tutorials and food and nutrition
information are the most appealing types of FRSMC. With regards to eating habits, FRSMC can lead to healthy and
unhealthy food choices. The study identified several perceived challenges, namely unrealistic and untrustworthy
content, difficult and repetitive content, and algorithm-driven deviations from healthy diets. The effectiveness of
FRSMC can be enhanced by creating trustworthy and engaging content. Conclusion: The study highlights that social media engagement can have both positive and negative impact on food choices among undergraduates. Some
FRSMC are perceived to encourage and motivate undergraduates to adopt healthier dietary habits. Future research
could involve a larger sample, representative of diverse socio-demographic groups in Malaysia.