Category: Digital culture

First emerging in South Korea around 2008, the mukbang trend has since captivated millions globally, with many viewers reporting positive effects of mukbang that go beyond simple entertainment. The phenomenon, which involves live-streamed eating, offers unique psychological and social benefits that tap into core human needs.

According to a 2024 study in BMC Psychiatry, frequent mukbang viewing is associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, underscoring a trend with potential psychological harm beyond the physical questions of how do mukbangers eat so much and stay healthy.

According to a 2024 study, nearly half of teens report that social media negatively affects their body image, directly linking to changes in eating behaviors and food choices. The media's influence on your diet is a complex interplay of visual messaging, psychological triggers, and social trends that impact everything from impulse snacking to long-term dietary decisions.