Sienna Miller | Head Editor
September 26, 2024
Liv Schmidt, a well-known TikTok influencer, has recently been banned from the platform for promoting harmful weight loss advice. This incident has sparked a significant discussion about the responsibilities of influencers and the potential consequences of sharing dangerous health tips with audiences of young, vulnerable girls.
Social media has dramatically transformed how teenagers perceive themselves, particularly concerning body image. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram often present idealized versions of reality, creating pressure for teens to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
The ban on Liv Schmidt and the promotion of dangerous weight loss advice significantly impact young high schoolers who are often highly impressionable by social media trends. Many teens look to influencers for guidance on body image and exposure to harmful dieting practices can cause unhealthy relationships with food and body dissatisfaction. This environment can lead to increased anxiety, eating disorders, and a false perception of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle.
“Pretending weight loss is simple and easy is just wrong,” says Senior Isabella Noble. “Liv knows that and she just portrays otherwise for clickbait.”
The controversy began when Schmidt advocated for extreme weight loss methods, including severe calorie restrictions and unverified supplements. Her platform encourages quick-fix methods that promise immediate results rather than focusing on sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes. Not only is it targeted at girls who are a perfectly healthy weight, but it also promotes fatal disorders like anorexia.
Teens who follow creators like Schmidt may internalize the idea that success and popularity are linked to appearance. This reinforces harmful beliefs that can have long-lasting effects on self-esteem.
“I think another big issue with these viral influencers being popular just because they are pretty is the fact that they are all white,” says Senior Elora Aguliar. “As a Hispanic woman, I know how hard it is for girls of different ethnicities to idealize a look that they cannot achieve because they aren’t white. So many standards like weight and race are implanted in girls too young.”
In addition, health professionals quickly voiced concerns, highlighting the risks associated with her recommendations, which could lead to serious health issues such as nutrient deficiencies and metabolic damage. TikTok responded by banning Schmidt, which was a development seen as necessary to protect users from potentially harmful misinformation.
Balancing free expression with the need to protect young users from misleading content is a complex challenge that continues to evolve. Platforms are struggling with the challenges of misinformation and the need for transparency. Overall, Schmidt was restricted out of concern for the youth and to stop the spread of dangerous deception, as her following was only growing.
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