Breaking news: “I have an eating disorder.” Video testimonials on YouTube

Over the last several decades there has been an exponential increase in the usage of the Internet, and social networking websites in particular. Social networking websites have gained popularity because they allow people to network on both a personal and professional level. The rise of testimonial videos about one's experience with hardships has gained popularity as another way for people to connect with one another for support. The current study looks at men and women who utilized YouTube, a video posting website, to document their struggles with eating disorders (ED). Fifty videos were viewed and analyzed regarding content and viewer response. It was found that most posters actively sought treatment for their ED, yet sought out additional support on the Internet while also offering support for others. In addition, viewers responded with an overwhelmingly large number of supportive comments compared to negative comments (8:1).