Young women are increasingly encountering harmful diet and exercise advice on social media, often when they least expect it. A recent personal experience highlights how algorithms can lead users down a troubling path. Liv Schmidt, a 23-year-old influencer from New York, has gained significant attention for her weight-loss tips, attracting an audience of over 326,000 followers on Instagram. Her videos, along with similar content from other influencers, can quickly populate users’ feeds, even if they are initially engaging with benign fitness-related material.

The mechanism of social media algorithms plays a crucial role in this phenomenon. After watching a few fitness videos, users may find their recommendations shifting dramatically. On TikTok, for example, content that initially appears harmless can evolve into alarming suggestions. Users may soon be confronted with “model secrets to stay thin,” food diaries featuring under 800 calories per day, and images of extremely thin individuals showcasing pronounced hip bones and collarbones.

The Rise of “SkinnyTok” and Its Impact on Youth

This troubling trend has given rise to a subculture known as “SkinnyTok.” On this platform, users share extreme weight-loss tips and “thinspiration” images aimed at promoting unhealthy body ideals. Although this type of content is not new, its prevalence on TikTok—an app with over 1.5 billion monthly users—has intensified. Influencers like Schmidt have seen a meteoric rise in visibility, leveraging the platform’s reach to disseminate potentially harmful messages.

While social media can inspire individuals to pursue healthier lifestyles, the shift from positive reinforcement to extreme dieting can happen alarmingly fast. Content creators often present themselves as authorities on weight loss, which can mislead impressionable audiences. This concern is particularly significant among young women who may unknowingly engage with harmful content while seeking supportive communities around fitness and health.

The situation raises urgent questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in regulating content that can have real-world impacts on users’ health and well-being. As these platforms continue to evolve, so too does the challenge of ensuring that algorithms do not inadvertently promote dangerous health trends.

In response to these issues, mental health professionals and nutritionists are calling for greater awareness and education on the implications of extreme dieting. They emphasize the importance of fostering a balanced relationship with food and exercise, steering clear of content that glorifies unhealthy body standards. As the influence of social media continues to grow, understanding how these platforms shape perceptions of health and beauty is more crucial than ever.

In conclusion, while social media can serve as a valuable tool for connection and support, the disturbing rise of trends like SkinnyTok underscores the need for vigilance among users and accountability from platforms. The journey toward a healthier lifestyle should be rooted in positive, informed choices rather than extreme and potentially harmful advice.

Renowned rugby coach Mike Cron has expressed strong disapproval of the increasingly popular Run It Straight events, describing the trend as “barbaric.” Cron, who previously served as the All Blacks’ scrum and lineout coach, is joining a growing number of critics concerned about the safety risks associated with this combat sport.

Run It Straight involves two participants charging at each other, with one holding a rugby ball, leading to head-on collisions that can result in serious injuries. The events have gained traction in both New Zealand and Australia, with some competitions offering substantial prize money, reaching up to $20,000.

The phenomenon has become a social media sensation, but it has also led to tragic outcomes. Most notably, Ryan Satherwaite, a teenager from Palmerston North, died from head injuries sustained during an impromptu backyard challenge. Cron’s remarks highlight the dangers of such activities, suggesting that they may glamorize reckless behavior rather than promote the values of rugby.

Mike Cron’s Perspective and Upcoming Book

Today, Cron is releasing his new book titled Coach – Lessons From An All Blacks Legend, which reflects on his extensive career in rugby. He emphasizes that the sport should prioritize safety and sportsmanship rather than encourage dangerous trends.

His criticism is echoed by various sports professionals who warn that Run It Straight events may lead to a normalization of violence in sports. Critics argue that these events undermine the fundamental principles of rugby, which values skill, teamwork, and strategic play over brute force.

In a statement, Cron remarked, “This trend is like bullrush gone mad on steroids.” His words serve as a call to action for both athletes and organizers to reconsider the implications of such high-risk activities.

As Run It Straight events continue to attract attention, the rugby community faces a critical juncture. With the potential for further tragedies, it remains to be seen how governing bodies will respond to the safety concerns raised by figures like Mike Cron. As discussions surrounding player welfare intensify, the future of such events may depend on a collective reevaluation of what constitutes a responsible sport.

The conversation regarding safety in sports is more relevant than ever, and with voices like Cron’s emerging, there is hope for a shift towards more responsible practices in the sporting world.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is currently under investigation due to the presence of entertainers with dwarfism at his recent 18th birthday celebration. This inquiry was prompted by a formal complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), as confirmed by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights.

The private event took place in Olivella, approximately 50 kilometers west of Barcelona, on July 8, 2023, just a day before Yamal’s official birthday on July 13. The Ministry has requested the prosecutor’s office to examine whether any laws were broken that could infringe on the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Concerns Raised by Advocacy Group

ADEE has expressed serious concerns regarding the hiring of entertainers with dwarfism for the party, stating that such practices perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination. The organization has vowed to pursue legal action, highlighting that the use of individuals with dwarfism as entertainment undermines their dignity and rights.

“The ADEE publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment,” a spokesperson stated.

While guests were reportedly not allowed to film during the event, footage surfaced showing a group of performers with dwarfism arriving at the venue. An anonymous performer spoke to Catalan radio station RAC1, indicating that there were four entertainers present and emphasizing that they were there to work peacefully.

“We’re normal people who dedicate ourselves to what we love doing in an absolutely legal way,” the performer remarked. They criticized ADEE for allegedly trying to hinder their opportunities without providing alternatives for those affected.

Star-Studded Celebration

The birthday party attracted a number of prominent guests, including Yamal’s Barcelona teammates and popular musicians like Bizarrap and Bad Gyal. Dominican rapper Chimbala, who is also of short stature, shared a video on Instagram of himself performing at the event, alongside Yamal, while teammates Gavi and Alejandro Balde danced in the background.

Chimbala expressed his gratitude to Yamal, writing, “Lamine Yamal at 18, the best player in the world, signing my song ‘Abusadora’, thank you for inviting me to your birthday.” Yamal’s rising fame has been bolstered by his impressive performance on the field, contributing to Barcelona’s domestic treble last season, which included victories in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

Having made his debut at just 15 years old, Yamal has scored 25 goals in 106 appearances for Barcelona and is considered a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

As of this report, Yamal’s representatives have not provided any comment regarding the ongoing investigation.

Approximately 120,000 individuals in New Zealand are estimated to be living with endometriosis, a condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus. Tanné Snowden, the founder of the New Zealand bodycare brand Tronque, is one of those affected. In a recent interview, she discussed the profound mental toll that this often misunderstood disease can exert on those who live with it.

Endometriosis is frequently referred to as an invisible disease. While many symptoms are not externally visible, the journey towards diagnosis and treatment can leave lasting scars. For many women, surgery to remove endometrial tissue can result in physical and emotional scars that impact their mental well-being long after the procedure.

Snowden recalls experiencing symptoms of endometriosis from a “very early age.” She initially believed that the pain she endured was a normal part of life. “Pain was just something I thought you were supposed to put up with,” she shared with the Herald. As she aged, the pain became more persistent and unpredictable, occurring not only during her menstrual cycle but throughout the month. This constant discomfort significantly impacted her energy levels, focus, and ability to engage meaningfully in both her professional and personal life.

Understanding the Broader Impact of Endometriosis

The mental health implications of endometriosis are often overlooked in discussions surrounding the condition. Many women face challenges that extend beyond physical pain, including anxiety and depression. According to research conducted by the Endometriosis Foundation of America, the emotional burden of living with this condition can be substantial, with many individuals reporting feelings of isolation and frustration.

In her role at Tronque, Snowden aims to raise awareness about endometriosis and advocate for better understanding of its effects. She believes that sharing personal experiences can help others feel less alone and encourage open conversations about a condition that affects so many. “It’s important to talk about these issues,” she emphasizes, “because so many women go through similar struggles without support.”

Snowden’s insights shed light on a critical aspect of chronic health conditions: the intersection of physical and mental health. Living with endometriosis can be an isolating experience, and many women may not realize that they are not alone in their suffering. The stigma surrounding discussions of reproductive health can further complicate the journey for those affected.

Advocacy and Awareness Efforts

In addition to her work with Tronque, Snowden is committed to advocating for greater awareness of endometriosis. She emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to recognize the symptoms and offer timely diagnoses. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, both physically and mentally.

As more individuals share their stories, the hope is to foster an environment where discussions about endometriosis are normalized. This could lead to more comprehensive support systems and treatment options. Through her platform, Snowden strives to contribute to this vital conversation, helping to break down barriers and encourage a more informed dialogue about women’s health.

By highlighting the multifaceted challenges of endometriosis, Tanné Snowden not only shares her personal journey but also champions the need for greater understanding and support for those affected by this condition. As awareness grows, so too does the potential for change, paving the way for improved care and a more compassionate approach to health.