Sexy Adolescent Nn Blog Forum
Kanisha Dezarn
The differences that emerged between traditional discussion forums and the more mainstream social media provides evidence for their different functions that have implications for their use by women with ED symptoms. Our hypothesis that a sense of safety and privacy on forums and blogs would be more salient for ED than for control participants was supported. The need for privacy on the web is a universal concern (Nissenbaum, 2011) and online anonymity reduces a sense of threat and fosters a feeling of belonging to a virtual group (Bargh and McKenna, 2004). The virtual connections girls and women with ED symptoms seem to form specifically on forums/blogs seem to be meaningful and to contribute to a sense of belonging and of social support.
The need for social support and a sense of belonging is healthy and normative, especially during adolescence (Blakemore and Mills, 2014), and identification with a social group is strongly linked to health and well-being (Haslam and Reicher, 2006). Yet the fulfillment of the social needs examined in this study was clearly associated with negative outcomes for people with EDs and disordered eating, especially in the context of forums and blogs. Belonging to a group can have beneficial effects if the group positively influences its members. However, communities of people with EDs over-value thinness and share a desire to lose weight (Harper et al., 2008). Pro-ED groups openly provide guidance and encouragement for a destructive way of life, mindset and behaviors (Borzekowski et al., 2010). The price tag of a yearned sense of support and belonging therefore seems to be the adherence to destructive and pathological norms.
This study has several limitations. First, the sample was comprised of a small number of young, Jewish, Israeli females, and most ED participants had anorexia nervosa. Results may not be generalizable to males, other age groups, people with other ED diagnoses, and people from different cultures. Second, data on comorbid disorders was not available. Third, online behaviors are not always reported accurately (Sharkow, 2016), so results should be viewed with caution. Fourth, findings require replication, since we are unaware of other studies comparing the functions of forums/blogs and the social media for people with ED. Fifth, blogs and forums were examined together, but may also fulfill separate ED-related functions. Finally, results do not indicate whether the online patterns observed lead to ED pathology, ED pathology leads to internet use, or both.
Hi @E1987 and welcome to ReachOut Parents.
It seems like you're going through a bit of a tricky situation with you son. It makes sense that you're concerned and not sure what you should do next. After-all, you're trying to approach the situation with your son in a way that is sensitive and doesn't make him feel ostracized or uncomfortable... and ensure that you're daughter is safe... and protect your son by not wanting to tell your husband...and probably trying to get your head around the whole situation.
Can I ask why you don't want to tell your husband? It seems like a lot to be going through on your own. You mentioned your son keeps avoiding you. Do you think he may feel more comfortable having a "sex" conversation with his dad? It may be something to consider.
I think it is important to chat with your son and set some boundaries. As you said in your post, it is okay for him to have a foot fetish (from what I know they are quite common) but not to be acting inappropriately with his mother and (potentially) his sister. It might be good to just sit him down and tell him this directly - that it's normal to have these feelings etc. during puberty and that having a foot fetish is somewhat common, but that it is not OK for him to act inappropriately with you, your daughter, or with anyone who has not given their consent for that matter. If you are concerned about him being embarrassed, maybe just reiterate that everything is OK and that you're his mum and there to help him, and that you're there to teach him right from wrong, and that you're not judging him and so on and so forth.
I might add that that is just my opinion and you need to do what is suitable for you and your family. I have tagged other parents on this forum for their amazing advice and support here: @sunflowermom @compassion, @taokat, @Faob_1, @Schooner, @JAKGR8
I might also add that there are a number of services that may be able to help and guide you through this situation. I have provided you with a few options.
- Parentline which is an free telephone counselling service. Check out this website here to see which number is suitable for you to call: -parentline-can-help-you
- Try searching child and adolescent psychologists in your area and perhaps book in with one as they may be able to provide you with more insight into your son's behavior.
I hope this helps!!
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