The dangers of social media are all too well known and the whole world is cognizant of the hate and toxicity that lurks within. While popular apps like Instagram and TikTok can be dangerous, it can also be a place of encouragement and positivity. Although there have been a lot of body shaming trends lately, a recent TikTok is going viral for helping teens that are struggling with eating disorders.
The ‘Let’s Eat Together’ viral video was started by Sara Sadok, an 18-year-old, to help people who may be struggling with eating disorders or mental illnesses. Sadok, who has only been using the app for 3 months, has always wanted to help people and is known for her kind and compassionate videos.
In the viral video, Sadok encourages people to eat with her one bite at a time. In the TikTok, she has her favorite breakfast and motivates the viewer to have whatever they want. "If you ever have a hard time sitting down for a meal, let's have a meal together," she says in her TikTok. "I'll take the first bite to make it a little less intimidating for you, and you can have your first bite after, OK?".
Many people who struggle with various eating disorders are now using the duet function and eating with Sodok in the videos that are often very emotional and triggering to some. These duet videos have also amassed huge support online on the app. Her gentle and calm bearing has helped thousands of people online who struggle to have even one meal a day.
In one duet video, TikTok user, Eeon Boudreaux, sits in his car and shakily ate French fries when Sadok urged him to. It is very evident how difficult it was for him to do so, noting in the caption that he also struggles with anxiety.
Eating disorders affect at least 9% of the world’s population and are on a steady rise in recent times. Contents like these help people understand that they are not alone in their struggles and aids them to come forward and reach out for help. Eating disorders often thrive in isolation so it is easier for those in recovery to eat with others. This video has helped destigmatize eating disorders and brings to light what others are often struggling with. For many it is still difficult to talk about mental health, hence, this video is a simple way of showing what some people are struggling with and helps others to support those battling the disorder. However, experts and professionals warn that social media should not be used as a replacement for therapy.
Many popular TikTokers have also come forward with their own version of the video. Another fan-favorite TikToker, Sienna Mae Gomez, who gained fame due to a video promoting body positivity, has also become an icon for the same. After getting inspired by Sara’s video, Sienna frequently makes TikToks of her having her meals and urges her viewers to eat with her.
This trend has been a refreshing and much-needed change on the app in contrast to the unhealthy diets and body shaming that were gaining popularity. These positive videos are getting an overflow of responses and have helped thousands cope with their eating disorders.
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