How YouTube still recommends eating disorder videos to young girls
In February, a landmark trial in Los Angeles found YouTube’s parent company, Google, liable over claims that its addictive platform harmed a young woman, known as KGM. She started using YouTube at six years old and later developed an addiction to social media that contributed to body dysmorphia and mental health issues.
YouTube’s algorithms have the power to shape what people are watching and can seriously harm vulnerable users. CCDH tested the platform’s protection in the US, UK, and EU, and found that it still recommends harmful eating disorders videos to accounts registered as 13-year-old girls.
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Center for Countering Digital Hate.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can learn more about various care options here. EDRC provides support groups and maintains a list of treatment programs in the Bay Area. You can also support EDRC’s mission further by making a tax deductible donation.
