YouTube still recommending eating disorder videos to teens, research finds

YouTube Still Recommending Eating Disorder Content to Teens, Study Finds

YouTube still recommending eating disorder videos - YouTube's recommendation system continues to surface videos related to eating disorders for teenage users, according to new research. Despite updated guidelines designed to minimize exposure to harmful online material, the platform remains a key source of potentially damaging content for young audiences. A recent study by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) revealed that 10% of the videos suggested by YouTube’s algorithm still promote eating disorder themes, though the percentage has improved since 2024. This finding underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing algorithmic efficiency with the mental health impact on vulnerable users.

Algorithmic Challenges and Testing Methodology

To assess the effectiveness of YouTube’s recommendation system, the CCDH created a simulated teen profile and monitored its interactions. The test involved a 13-year-old account that viewed 10 initial videos linked to body image and dieting, followed by an analysis of the next 100 suggested videos. In 2026, 10% of these recommendations were identified as promoting eating disorder content, a decrease from the 25% harmful rate in 2024. However, the persistence of such content highlights the need for continuous refinement. Similar patterns were observed across US and EU teen accounts, indicating a consistent issue across regions.

Google, the parent company of YouTube, emphasized its commitment to addressing harmful content, stating that videos flagged in the study were removed. Yet, the research suggests that the algorithm’s reliance on engagement metrics still prioritizes content that can influence young users. This raises concerns about the platform’s ability to curb the spread of eating disorder-related material, even with regulatory frameworks in place. The study’s results align with broader criticism of tech platforms for their role in shaping teen behavior through algorithmic suggestions.

Real-World Impact on Teen Mental Health

The study’s findings are echoed by individuals who have experienced the effects of eating disorder content firsthand. Jazmin Kaur, a 22-year-old from Leicester, shared her journey of developing an eating disorder at age 13. "It all started quite innocently," she recalled. "I wanted to get fitter, I wanted to get healthier, so I started going online and took social media very much at face value without understanding the facts." While some content provided useful information, Jazmin noted that the majority of algorithmic suggestions worsened her condition. "Every time I left hospital, I'd have my phone with me and I'd constantly be on it," she said. "I was fed such extreme content towards the end that I took it for my own vulnerabilities."

"While some material on social media sites was helpful, much of it made me feel 'a lot worse,'"

Jazmin’s experience highlights how YouTube’s algorithm can reinforce harmful behaviors. She now studies paediatric nursing and works in an adult mental health unit, advocating for stricter content moderation. Her decision to delete social media accounts during university reflects the growing awareness among teens of the algorithm’s influence. "Most of the time it made it a lot worse," she added, emphasizing the critical role of YouTube in shaping her mental health trajectory.

Regulatory Efforts and Algorithmic Accountability

Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, which became effective in July 2025, platforms are required to protect users under 18 from harmful content, including eating disorder videos. This legislation mandates that companies assess how their algorithms might influence young people and take steps to reduce associated risks. Non-compliance could result in fines up to 10% of global revenues, potentially reaching billions for Google. The CCDH’s research demonstrates that these regulations are having an impact, but gaps remain in algorithmic oversight.

The study also evaluated YouTube’s crisis panels, which appear beneath sensitive content to direct users to support services. However, in 2026, none of the harmful eating disorder videos recommended by the algorithm activated these panels, casting doubt on their effectiveness. Alexandra Johnson, a senior research manager at CCDH, acknowledged the progress made but stressed the importance of further improvements. "But one video is too many," she said. "We don’t want any of this content to get through, particularly to vulnerable users, where just a small algorithmic nudge can be enough to push them into a very dangerous situation."

With increasing scrutiny on tech platforms, the call for better algorithmic transparency grows stronger. Experts argue that YouTube’s current system, while improved, still needs adjustments to prioritize mental health over engagement. As teens continue to rely on the platform for content, the responsibility to ensure safe recommendations falls on both the algorithm and the regulatory frameworks designed to hold platforms accountable. The research serves as a reminder that even small changes in content promotion can have significant consequences for young users' well-being.