The power of social media and its influence on young people can be detrimental to their health. A new survey found that 70 percent of those who engaged with food and drink brands online were teenagers. However, 93 percent of these interactions were with unhealthy products.
Brands that dominate teens social media include Doritos, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Hershey, Snickers and fast-food restaurants. Over one-third of teenagers either liked, shared or followed these brands.
Researchers are encouraging manufacturers to stop targeting vulnerable teens with marketing for unhealthy products. The study also found that increasing taxes on sugary drinks would help reduce the consumption of products that are harmful to the overall health of young people.
