Andrew Selepak, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Media Production, Management, and Technology instructional assistant professor, is quoted in “Anorexia Survivor Turns Instagram into a Platform for Body Positivity and Mental Health Advocacy” posted on cbs12.com in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Oct. 31.

The story was the second of a two-part expose on the trials and tribulations of an anorexia survivor.  It offers a view of the role that social media is playing in the rise in eating disorders among kids and teenagers.

According to Selepak, younger kids should not be on social media. When they are older it’s crucial that they be taught how to safely digest what they see and hear on these social apps.

“It’s really important for K-12 educators, college educators and for parents to make sure they’re teaching young people about how social media can impact them…because if they’re going to spend so much time with it, we’ve got to make sure they’re prepared for the content their consuming” he said.

Selepak also commented in “How One Teen Overcame Anorexia and the Unhealthy Influence of Social Media” posted on cbs12.com on Oct. 30.

The first part of the story focused on one girl’s battle with anorexia and the influence that social media had on her condition.

According to Selepak, there is an obvious correlation between the rise in social media and an increase in anxiety, depression, and body image issues among young people.

“It’s difficult to be a young person right now and not know what to believe, who to believe, what information to accept,” explains Selepak. “They’re trying to emulate this thing that is impossible to achieve, and it impacts them in different ways psychologically trying to do something that’s impossible and coming up short again and again.”

The story is by WPEC CBS 12 News Anchor Sam Kerrigan, B.S. Telecommunication 2013.

Posted: October 30, 2023
Category: Alumni News, College News
Tagged as: Andrew Selepak, Anorexia, Sam Kerrigan, Social Media, WPEC CBS 12