How technology has changed the way we eat?

Technology use has made life easier and more convenient as it has improved several aspects of life such as communication, transportation, and entertainment. Conversely, it made a negative impact on lifestyle and health habits. The internet revolution and the growing influence of social media have drastically changed the way we perceive food and eating. Some of these changes are positively impacting our society, while others are troublesome. 

Social media is making us more aware of what we should consume, which definitely helps in developing better eating habits. It also emphasizes the importance of food in people’s lives, as well as how their self-image, history, and health and fitness behaviors are reflected in their eating habits.  

Our access to education has also improved as a result of technological advancements, promoting us to search out more health-conscious and organic foods. The more we understand the effects of certain foods on our health, particularly in light of rising rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, the better equipped we will be to make spot-on decisions. 

Craving innovation and experimentation are also factors that have risen due to the positive impact of social media. We are now ready to explore what’s new and out of our comfort zone and not settle for the ordinary. Receiving all the latest updates on possible recipes, food choices and trends is also a plus when it comes to change. However, being constantly bombarded by the eating habits or routines of others might lead to a negative relationship with food as it can cause people to feel envious or shameful. 

As for restaurant owners, food growers and the retail market, the rise of social media has influenced what they sell, how they sell it, and even what they should do next. Data collection is being increasingly used by those associated with the food industry to better improve customer experience, increase efficiency and even come up with new innovative recipes. 

The Potential for Negative Impacts through Technology 

Unfortunately, there are links between “problematic internet use” and the development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, food preoccupation, and loss of control eating. The overuse of internet technologies, as well as negative social comparisons that may develop through exposure and self-comparison lead to such toxic and favorable behaviors. 

This becomes disturbing especially when it comes to teenagers who lack the ability to make good decisions due to their undeveloped skills and the constant pressure they face through social media. It’s also essential to consider online marketing and how it can be misleading, especially when it comes to the food industry as people can’t touch, feel or smell what’s advertised and rather have to believe what’s being delivered. The continuous focus on building solid marketing strategies rather than creating good and healthy products has a disastrous effect in the long run. 

References:

Delhi, A. (2016, February 15). How the internet and social media are changing the way we eat. Retrieved March 27, 2021, from https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/how-the-internet-and-social-media-are-changing-the-way-we-eat

Team, S. (2019, September 19). Three ways technology has changed the way we eat. Retrieved March 27, 2021, from https://scoopempire.com/three-ways-technology-has-changed-the-way-we-eat/