New Delhi: In a significant move to protect the mental health of young viewers, YouTube announced it will cease promoting fitness and health content that depicts unrealistic body standards for teenagers. The platform’s decision comes in response to growing concerns from experts who warn that exposure to such content can contribute to body image issues and negative self-perception.
While teens will still be able to search for these videos, YouTube’s recommendation algorithm will no longer associate them with related content. Dr. Garth Graham, YouTube’s head of health, emphasized the long-term impact of repeated exposure to unrealistic body ideals, stating, “It can create a bar that is too high for oneself, leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.”
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The new guidelines, which apply globally, aim to safeguard young individuals from harmful influences by restricting content that promotes unrealistic body types, promotes social violence, or sanctions utopian body traits. The United States has already implemented similar measures to protect its teen viewers.
By taking this proactive step, YouTube is demonstrating its commitment to creating a safer and healthier online environment for young people.
