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Boyland E, Backholer K, Potvin Kent M, Bragg MA, Sing F, Karupaiah T, Kelly B. Unhealthy Food and Beverage Marketing to Children in the Digital Age: Global Research and Policy Challenges and Priorities. Annu Rev Nutr 2024; 44:471-497. [PMID: 38631811 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-062322-014102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Food and nonalcoholic beverage marketing is implicated in poor diet and obesity in children. The rapid growth and proliferation of digital marketing has resulted in dramatic changes to advertising practices and children's exposure. The constantly evolving and data-driven nature of digital food marketing presents substantial challenges for researchers seeking to quantify the impact on children and for policymakers tasked with designing and implementing restrictive policies. We outline the latest evidence on children's experience of the contemporary digital food marketing ecosystem, conceptual frameworks guiding digital food marketing research, the impact of digital food marketing on dietary outcomes, and the methods used to determine impact, and we consider the key research and policy challenges and priorities for the field. Recent methodological and policy developments represent opportunities to apply novel and innovative solutions to address this complex issue, which could drive meaningful improvements in children's dietary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom;
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie A Bragg
- Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, and School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fiona Sing
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tilakavati Karupaiah
- Food Security and Nutrition Impact Lab, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bridget Kelly
- Early Start, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Boyland E, Spanakis P, O'Reilly C, Christiansen P. Associations between everyday exposure to food marketing and hunger and food craving in adults: An ecological momentary assessment study. Appetite 2024; 196:107241. [PMID: 38307297 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Food marketing in television and digital media negatively affects appetitive sensations and eating behaviour in children, but effects are less well understood for outdoor food advertising and adults. This research used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to explore associations between exposures to food advertising in various contexts (television, digital, outdoors) and adults' hunger and craving for highly advertised food categories. Over one week, participants provided ratings of cravings for types of food (fast food, soft drinks, snacks/confectionery, other) and hunger on a smartphone app up to six times per day when they saw a food advertisement (reactive assessment) and at random intervals (random assessment). Fifty-four participants (70.4 % female; 21.24 ± 3.84 years) provided 1223 assessments (24.7 % reactive, 75.3 % random). Data were analysed in R using multilevel multivariable linear regression models. Participants reported feeling hungrier (X2(1) = 5.85, p = .016, ΔAIC = 3.9) and having stronger cravings (X2(1) = 20.64, p < .001, ΔAIC = 318.6) after seeing food advertisements vs. random assessments. This was driven by greater hunger following television advertising exposure vs. random assessments (β = 1.58, SE = 0.61, p = .010, 95 %CIs 0.38 to 2.78), food advertising via digital devices or outdoors was not associated with hunger. Participants experienced stronger craving after seeing a food advertisement on television (β = 0.52, SE = 0.19, p = .006, 95 %CIs 0.15 to 0.89), outdoors (β = 0.39, SE = 0.12, p < .001, 95 % CIs 0.16 to 0.62) and in digital media (β = 0.36, SE = 0.14, p = .012, 95 % CIs 0.08 to 0.64), vs. random assessments. Cravings were (largely) specific to the advertised food category. EMA can be effective for assessing food marketing associations in adults. The current study provides evidence that food marketing is associated with hunger and craving in adults, which may, with replication, have implications for public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
| | - Panagiotis Spanakis
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
| | - Connor O'Reilly
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
| | - Paul Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
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Evans R, Christiansen P, Masterson T, Barlow G, Boyland E. Food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing via Fortnite streamers on Twitch: A content analysis. Appetite 2024; 195:107207. [PMID: 38218416 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Food and non-alcoholic beverage (hereafter: food) marketing is prevalent in digital media and predominantly for foods high in fats, salt and/or sugar (HFSS). However, little is known about food marketing in videogame livestreaming platforms - a hybridisation of social and gaming media where individuals can watch influencers (i.e., streamers) play videogames. No studies have explored food cues within the streamed content or content likely to be viewed by adolescents. The current study analysed the food cues in Twitch (the leading videogame livestreaming platform) videos (n = 52, 52h) uploaded to the platform during October 2020-September 2021 by influencers likely to be popular with adolescents. Food cues (n = 133, 2.56 per hour) were coded for exposure (e.g., display type, healthfulness) and power (e.g., presentation) using a World Health Organization (WHO) protocol and the UK Nutrient Profile Model. The majority (70.7%) of cues were HFSS, with energy drinks being the most featured food category (62.4%). Most cues were branded (80.5%) and featured as either product placement (44.4%) or a looping image (40.6%). Influencers were more likely to consume healthy (88.5%) than HFSS items (33.4%). The mean duration of each food cue was 20 min and 25 s per hour. Only 2.3% of cues had an advertising disclosure. This study provides the first empirical assessment of food cues on Twitch in livestreamed content likely to be popular with adolescents and has implications for digital food marketing policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Evans
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK.
| | - Paul Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK
| | - Travis Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Georgia Barlow
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK
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Wu Y, Kemps E, Prichard I. Digging into digital buffets: A systematic review of eating-related social media content and its relationship with body image and eating behaviours. Body Image 2024; 48:101650. [PMID: 38039952 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently, researchers have started investigating the influence of eating-focused social media content on viewers' body image and eating behaviour. The current systematic review collates the evidence for the relationship between exposure to eating-related social media content and people's body image, disordered eating, food consumption, and eating-related opinions. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted on five databases (i.e., Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest), resulting in 38 eligible studies that examined the link between eating-related content and body image, eating behaviour and/or viewers' perceptions. Evidence showed positive relationships between exposure to certain material on social media (e.g., fast-food advertisements, clean eating, eating videos) and body image concerns, disordered eating, and consumption of, or a willingness to consume the foods seen on social media; however, studies that focused on 'healthy food' content showed no such link. Viewers expressed mixed feelings towards content such as nutrition information and mukbang videos which record hosts eating a large amount of food. Future research would benefit from a consistent measure of exposure to different eating-related content. There is also a need for more experimental research to examine the impact of watching different types of eating videos on body image, disordered eating, and food consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Health & Exercise Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Eva Kemps
- Flinders University, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Psychology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ivanka Prichard
- Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Health & Exercise Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Maksi SJ, Keller KL, Dardis F, Vecchi M, Freeman J, Evans RK, Boyland E, Masterson TD. The food and beverage cues in digital marketing model: special considerations of social media, gaming, and livestreaming environments for food marketing and eating behavior research. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1325265. [PMID: 38384857 PMCID: PMC10880034 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1325265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Digital marketing to children, teens, and adults contributes to substantial exposure to cues and persuasive messages that drive the overconsumption of energy dense foods and sugary beverages. Previous food marketing research has focused on traditional media, but less is known about how marketing techniques translate within digital platforms, such as social media, livestreaming, and gaming. Building upon previous theories and models, we propose a new model entitled food and beverage cues in digital marketing (FBCDM). The FBCDM model specifies key marking elements and marketing integration strategies that are common on digital platforms and are hypothesized to enhance the effects of advertising and incentive sensitization process. FBCDM also categorizes measurable outcomes into three domains that include brand, food, and social outcomes. Additionally, repeated marketing exposure and the resulting outcomes are hypothesized to have long term consequences related to consumer markets, consumption behavior, culture, and health. We include a discussion of what is currently known about digital marketing exposure within the outcome domains, and we highlight gaps in research including the long-term consequences of digital marketing exposure. The FBCDM model provides a conceptual framework to guide future research to examine the digital marketing of food and beverages to children and adolescents in order to inform government and industry policies that restrict the aggressive marketing of products associated with obesity and adverse diet related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J. Maksi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Kathleen L. Keller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Frank Dardis
- Department of Advertising and Public Relations, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Martina Vecchi
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jason Freeman
- Department of Advertising, School of Communications, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Rebecca K. Evans
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Travis D. Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Boyland E, Maden M, Coates AE, Masterson TD, Alblas MC, Bruce AS, Roberts CA. Food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing in children and adults: A systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13643. [PMID: 37766661 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Food marketing impacts the food behaviors of children and adults, but the underpinning neural mechanisms are poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled evidence from neuroimaging studies of exposure to food marketing stimuli (vs. control) on brain activations in children and adults to clarify regions associated with responding. Databases were searched for articles published to March 2022. Inclusion criteria included human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies employing a contrast between a food marketing stimulus and a non-food/non-exposure control, published in English in a peer-reviewed journal, reporting whole brain (not Region of Interest [ROI] only) co-ordinates. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, of which eight were included in the quantitative synthesis (Activation Likelihood Estimation [ALE] meta-analysis). Food marketing exposures (vs. controls) produced greater activation in two clusters lying across the middle occipital gyrus, lingual gyrus, and cuneus (cluster 1), and the postcentral gyrus, precentral gyrus, and the inferior parietal lobule/supramarginal gyrus (cluster 2). Brain responses to food marketing are most consistently observed in areas relating to visual processing, attention, sensorimotor activity, and emotional processing. Subgroup analyses (e.g., adults vs. children) were not possible because of the paucity of data, and sensitivity analyses highlighted some instability in the clusters; therefore, conclusions remain tentative pending further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michelle Maden
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anna E Coates
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Travis D Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Monique C Alblas
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda S Bruce
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas, USA
| | - Carl A Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Powell J, Pring T. The impact of social media influencers on health outcomes: Systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116472. [PMID: 38070305 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
A fast emerging area of public health interest is the potential role of social media influencers in spreading health information and affecting health behaviour. The aim of this research was to systematically synthesise evidence on the impact of social media influencers on health outcomes. A systematic search of six databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Science Citation Index and Sociology Collection) was conducted in October 2021, with an update search in January 2023. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts. We included interventional study designs which examined the effect of social media influencer as the primary or only exposure on a quantified health outcome. We used narrative synthesis to summarise the characteristics and main findings of studies within each of four main topic areas. We assessed quality using a critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies. We identified twelve studies across four areas that met the inclusion criteria: children's dietary behaviour (n = 5), body image dissatisfaction (n = 4), influenza and COVID-19 (n = 2), and social comparison and anxiety (n = 1). Influencer marketing of unhealthy foods had a statistically significant effect on increasing children's immediate energy intake, but no effect was found for influencer promotion of vegetables. When an unhealthy food is marketed by an influencer of unhealthy appearance, this led to an increased preference for healthy snacks. Exposure to idealised influencer body imagery had statistically significant negative impacts on body image and mood. Anxiety caused by viewing idealised portrayals of motherhood was the same whether or not the portrayal was by an influencer. Public health campaigns harnessing influencers to promote hygiene habits in the context of COVID-19 and influenza showed some positive changes in health behaviours. Most of the published studies are of poor methodological quality with poor generalisability and statistical weaknesses. We conclude that social media influencers have both negative and positive impacts on health outcomes, with negative impacts seen consistently in studies of body image dissatisfaction. Further research is needed to harness the potential positive health impact of social media influencers, while mitigating against harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Powell
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Tabitha Pring
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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Evans RK, Christiansen P, Finlay A, Jones A, Maden M, Boyland E. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of digital game-based or influencer food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing on children and adolescents: Exploring hierarchy of effects outcomes. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13630. [PMID: 37608618 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Videogame livestreaming platforms are an emerging form of digital media, popular with young people, where users watch gaming influencers play videogames. Food and non-alcoholic beverage (hereafter: food) brands have a substantial presence on these platforms, yet no studies have examined the impact of this food marketing on young people. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the evidence (quantitative or mixed-method) for a relationship between exposure to digital game-based or influencer food marketing, and food-related (brand awareness, attitudes, preferences, purchase, and consumption), and post-consumption (weight, body mass index [BMI], and dental caries) outcomes in young people (≤18 years). Twenty-three databases were searched in March 2021. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 20 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Meta-analyses indicated food marketing was associated with more positive attitudes and greater preferences (OR = 1.74, p < 0.001 [95%CI: 1.355, 2.232]), and increased consumption (SMD = 0.37, p < 0.001 [95%CI: 0.219, 0.529]). Narrative synthesis indicated that food marketing may increase brand awareness but not pester intent, although data were limited. Evidence suggests that there is a relationship between exposure to food marketing via influencers and digital gaming media, and several food-related outcomes. This is the first quantitative synthesis to demonstrate these relationships; this work has implications for food marketing policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Evans
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amy Finlay
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Jones
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michelle Maden
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, Institute of Population Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Hayashi D, Edwards C, Emond JA, Gilbert-Diamond D, Butt M, Rigby A, Masterson TD. What Is Food Noise? A Conceptual Model of Food Cue Reactivity. Nutrients 2023; 15:4809. [PMID: 38004203 PMCID: PMC10674813 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide, emerge as effective treatments for weight management, anecdotal reports from patients and clinicians alike point to a reduction in what has been colloquially termed "food noise", as patients report experiencing less rumination and obsessive preoccupation about food. In this narrative review, we discuss concepts used in studies to investigate human eating behavior that can help elucidate and define food noise, particularly food cue reactivity. We propose a conceptual model that summarizes the main factors that have been shown to determine the magnitude of the reactivity elicited by external and internal food cues and how these factors can affect short- and long-term behavioral and clinical outcomes. By integrating key research conducted in this field, the Cue-Influencer-Reactivity-Outcome (CIRO) model of food cue reactivity provides a framework that can be used in future research to design studies and interpret findings related to food noise and food cue reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hayashi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA (T.D.M.)
| | - Caitlyn Edwards
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA (T.D.M.)
| | - Jennifer A. Emond
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Melissa Butt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Andrea Rigby
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Travis D. Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA (T.D.M.)
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Hayashi D, Carvalho SDL, Ribeiro PAB, Rodrigues RCM, São-João TM, Lavoie K, Bacon S, Cornélio ME. Methods to assess ambivalence towards food and diet: a scoping review. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:2010-2025. [PMID: 37226601 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambivalence towards food and diet, which favours behavioural inertia, might be a barrier to adopting healthier eating behaviours. Measuring it can help researchers to better understand its relationship with behaviour change and design interventions aimed at resolving it. In this scoping review, we map and describe methods and tools employed in studies to assess, measure or classify the ambivalence of participants towards food- and diet-related attitude objects. METHODS In accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for conducting scoping reviews, we retrieved peer-reviewed studies from MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, FSTA and Food Science Source and preprints from PsyArXiv and MedRxiv. Two independent reviewers screened the articles. We considered for inclusion peer-reviewed studies and preprints that assessed the ambivalence of participants of any age, sex or sociodemographic group towards food and diet. RESULTS We included 45 studies published between 1992 and 2022, which included participants from 17 countries. Eighteen methods were employed across the included studies to assess different types of ambivalence (felt, potential or cognitive-affective), the most frequent of which were the Griffin Index, the Subjective Ambivalence Questionnaire, the MouseTracker Paradigm and the Orientation to Chocolate Questionnaire. CONCLUSION This scoping review identified several methods and tools to assess different types of ambivalence towards food- and diet-related objects, providing an array of options for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hayashi
- School of Nursing (FEnf), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Kim Lavoie
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon Bacon
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Evans R, Christiansen P, Masterson T, Pollack C, Albadri S, Boyland E. Recall of food marketing on videogame livestreaming platforms: Associations with adolescent diet-related behaviours and health. Appetite 2023; 186:106584. [PMID: 37127245 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Digital media has become an integral part of adolescents' lives. Mirroring this trend, food and non-alcoholic beverage (hereafter: food) brands increasingly promote products in digital media to maximise reach with young consumers. Videogame livestreaming platforms, where individuals can broadcast or watch streamed videogame footage, are a growing form of digital media. The top three platforms (market share by hours watched) are Twitch (72%), YouTube Gaming (13%), and Facebook Gaming Live (9%), with a combined 34.6 billion hours watched in 2021. These platforms represent a hybridisation of two popular digital trends amongst teenagers: viewing online video content and playing videogames. On these platforms, gaming influencers promote food brands and products, with energy drinks and fast-food restaurants representing the most frequently promoted categories. Evidence suggests that food marketing via Twitch is associated with food craving, purchasing and consumption in adults. Yet, despite the evident teenage appeal and prevalence of food marketing on these platforms, research is yet to explore its associations with adolescent eating behaviour. Adolescents (n = 490, Mage = 16.81, 30.2% female) completed an online cross-sectional questionnaire exploring their recall of food marketing on the top three videogame livestreaming platforms, and relevant behavioural (purchase, consumption) and health (Body Mass Index) outcomes. Structural equation modelling was used to explore hierarchical relationships between the key variables. Results showed that recall of unhealthy food marketing on these platforms was significantly associated with purchase and consumption of marketed food categories. Attitudes towards unhealthy foods mediated this relationship. Findings are the first to demonstrate the relationships between unhealthy food marketing via videogame livestreaming platforms and adolescent eating behaviours, which has implications for the design of policies to restrict digital food marketing to young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Evans
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
| | - Paul Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK
| | - Travis Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Catherine Pollack
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
| | - Sondos Albadri
- School of Dentistry, The University of Liverpool, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5PS, UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, The University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK
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Haushalter K, Pritschet SJ, Long JW, Edwards CG, Boyland EJ, Evans RK, Masterson TD. User engagement with a popular food brand before, during and after a multi-day interactive marketing campaign on a popular live streaming platform. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1-9. [PMID: 36645264 PMCID: PMC10131139 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess viewer engagement of a food advertising campaign on the live streaming platform Twitch.tv, a social media platform that allows creators to live stream content and communicate with their audience in real time. DESIGN Observational analysis of chat comments across the Twitch platform containing the word 'Wendy's' or 'Wendys' during a 5-day ad campaign compared with two 5-day non-campaign time periods. Comments were categorised as positive, negative or neutral in how their sentiment pertained to the brand Wendy's. SETTING Twitch chatrooms. PARTICIPANTS None. RESULTS There were significantly more chatroom messages related to the Wendy's brand during the campaign period. When considering all messages, the proportion of messages was statistically different (x2 = 1417·41, P < 0·001) across time periods, with a higher proportion of neutral and positive messages and a lower proportion of negative messages during the campaign compared with the comparison periods. Additionally, the proportion of negative messages following the campaign was lower than before the campaign. When considering only positive and negative messages, the proportion of messages was statistically different (x2 = 366·38, P < 0·001) across each time period with a higher proportion of positive messages and a lower proportion of negative messages during the campaign when compared with the other time periods. Additionally, there was a higher proportion of positive messages and a lower portion of negative messages following the campaign when compared with before the campaign. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the impact and sustained impact of a fast-food brand ad campaign on brand engagement on the live streaming platform Twitch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keally Haushalter
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson, University Park, PA16802, USA
| | - Sara J Pritschet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson, University Park, PA16802, USA
| | - John W Long
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson, University Park, PA16802, USA
| | - Caitlyn G Edwards
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson, University Park, PA16802, USA
| | - Emma J Boyland
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca K Evans
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Travis D Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson, University Park, PA16802, USA
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13
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Amson A, Pauzé E, Remedios L, Pritchard M, Potvin Kent M. Adolescent exposure to food and beverage marketing on social media by gender: a pilot study. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:33-45. [PMID: 36321517 PMCID: PMC11077454 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022002312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this research was to determine if, based on gender, adolescents were exposed to different marketing techniques that promoted food and beverages over social media. DESIGN A secondary analysis of adolescent boy (n 26) and girl (n 36) exposures (n 139) to food and beverage marketing was conducted. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests were conducted to compare the number, healthfulness and the marketing techniques of exposures viewed by boys and girls. SETTING Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-two adolescents aged 12-16 years. RESULTS Boys and girls were exposed to similar volumes of food marketing instances (median = 2 for both boys and girls, Mann-Whitney U = 237, P = 0·51) per 10-min period of social media use. More girls viewed products that were excessive in total fat compared to boys (67 % v. 35 %, P = 0·02). Boys were more likely to view instances of food marketing featuring a male as the dominant user (50 % v. 22 %, P = 0·03), appeals to achievement (42 % v. 17 %, P = 0·04), an influencer (42 % v. 14 %, P = 0·02) and appeals to athleticism (35 % v. 11 %, P = 0·03), whereas girls were more likely to view instances of food marketing featuring quizzes, surveys or polls (25 % v. 0 %, P = 0·01). CONCLUSIONS Food and beverage companies utilise marketing techniques that differ based on gender. More research examining the relationship between digital food and beverage marketing and gender is required to inform the development of gender-sensitive policies aimed at protecting adolescents from unhealthy food marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Amson
- University of Ottawa, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- University of Ottawa, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ONK1N 7K4, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ONK1N 7K4, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ONK1N 7K4, Canada
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14
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Filippone L, Shankland R, Hallez Q. The relationships between social media exposure, food craving, cognitive impulsivity and cognitive restraint. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:184. [PMID: 36434703 PMCID: PMC9701005 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00698-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults are increasingly exposed to social media and their image/video-based activities. They use these platforms to share images, videos and advice in different fields like food and nutrition with: recipe ideas, nutritional opinions or specific diets. Along with the rise of digital technologies, the prevalence of eating disorders in young adults continues to grow. The present study analyzes the psychological and eating processes through which exposure to social media may lead to the development of food craving and problematic eating behaviors. METHODS A total of 103 young adult men (n = 15) and women (n = 88) answered questionnaires measuring their impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), eating habits (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), food craving (Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait-reduced), and time exposure to social media. RESULTS The results showed two significant serial mediations. We found a correlational link between time exposure to social media and food craving scores. This positive relation is indirectly mediated by cognitive impulsivity. We also found a positive correlation between cognitive impulsivity and food craving scores that was mediated by cognitive restraint. CONCLUSION A better understanding of the existing links between social media, food craving and eating behaviors such as cognitive restraint could help researchers and clinicians to better guide young adults in their use and appropriation of social media food contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Filippone
- Laboratoire Développement, Individu, Processus, Handicap, Éducation (DIPHE), Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 5 avenue Pierre Mendès-France, Bron, France.
| | - Rebecca Shankland
- Laboratoire Développement, Individu, Processus, Handicap, Éducation (DIPHE), Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 5 avenue Pierre Mendès-France, Bron, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Hallez
- Laboratoire Développement, Individu, Processus, Handicap, Éducation (DIPHE), Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 5 avenue Pierre Mendès-France, Bron, France
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15
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Pollack CC, Emond JA, Masterson TD. Associations between adolescent and young adult External Food Cue Responsiveness (EFCR) and brand recall, product craving and product purchasing in the livestreaming food marketing environment. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:3036-3043. [PMID: 35920082 PMCID: PMC9991748 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022001628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of three validated food responsiveness scales in measuring recall of, and responsiveness to, food marketing exposure on social media. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey among adolescents and adults who used the social media platform Twitch.tv (Twitch). Responsiveness to food marketing was self-reported as craving or purchasing any brands participants observed on Twitch. Participants completed three validated scales of food responsiveness: the revised 18-question Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), the external eating subscale of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) and the External Food Cue Responsiveness (EFCR) scale. Adjusted linear regression models assessed the predictive ability of each scale on recall and responsiveness outcomes. SETTING Online survey. PARTICIPANTS Five hundred and sixty-eight Twitch users (90·1 % male, 60·6 % White, 43·7 % aged 18-24, 25·9 % under 18). RESULTS In separate adjusted linear regression models, scores on the TFEQ were not related to any outcome, while DEBQ scores related to product cravings (OR: 1·10, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·19, P = 0·02). In contrast, scores on the EFCR scale were significantly associated with higher brand recall (incident rate ratio: 1·42, 95 % CI 1·20, 1·68, P < 0·001), product craving (OR: 3·93, 95 % CI 2·22, 7·17, P < 0·001) and purchasing behaviour (OR: 3·97, 95 % CI 1·99, 8·26, P < 0·001). A subset of three EFCR scale items related to influencer marketing were similarly associated with each outcome with greater precision in the point estimates than the overall EFCR. CONCLUSIONS The EFCR scale predicted recall of and responsiveness to food marketing via Twitch, suggesting its utility in monitoring the effects of food marketing on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Pollack
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jennifer A Emond
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Travis D Masterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 119C Chandlee Laboratory, University Park, PA16802, USA
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da Silva JM, Matos JDP, Rodrigues MB, Mais LA, Claro RM, Horta PM. Advertising patterns of a fast-food chain on social media in Brazil. Public Health Nutr 2021; 25:1-8. [PMID: 34937603 PMCID: PMC9991549 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021004973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the advertising patterns on the posts of a fast-food chain in Brazil on three social media platforms in 2019. DESIGN An exploratory cross-sectional study. SETTING Advertising strategies on the posts of a major fast-food chain on their official Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts. The strategies were investigated according to the INFORMAS protocol for food promotion monitoring. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify advertising patterns in each platform. PARTICIPANTS 305 advertisements. RESULTS Four advertising patterns were identified in the PCA of Facebook and Instagram. In both platforms, the components for kids and product exaltation were similar. On Facebook, a pattern corresponding to economic appeal was identified as price and discount, while on Instagram, this pattern also included a practical approach. On Facebook, the fourth component was named celebrity, while on Instagram it was celebrity/innovation since on this second social media the component also included the 'new brand development' variable. On YouTube, three advertising patterns were identified in PCA. Similar to the other platforms, the first and the second patterns were called for kids and price and discount, and the third component referred to both celebrity and commemorative dates. CONCLUSIONS The advertising patterns of the fast-food chain on three social media platforms were commonly directed to children and addressed price, discounts and the celebrities' universe. The findings of this study corroborate other data in the literature regarding unhealthy food advertising on social media. This study discusses the urgency of regulating food advertising content on this medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Moreira da Silva
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 190, Belo Horizonte30130-100, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Paula Matos
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 190, Belo Horizonte30130-100, Brazil
| | - Michele Bittencourt Rodrigues
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 190, Belo Horizonte30130-100, Brazil
| | - Laís Amaral Mais
- Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor (IDEC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moreira Claro
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 190, Belo Horizonte30130-100, Brazil
| | - Paula Martins Horta
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 190, Belo Horizonte30130-100, Brazil
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