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EXPOSING Liv Schmidt’s SKINNY SOCIETÉ Disordered Instagram Echochamber with Whistleblowing Journalist EJ Dickson
Episode 33

EXPOSING Liv Schmidt’s SKINNY SOCIETÉ Disordered Instagram Echochamber with Whistleblowing Journalist EJ Dickson

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, I am continuing my investigation on SkinnyTok, today alongside esteemed journalist EJ Dickson. As part of an investigative story for The Cut, EJ Dickson infiltrated SkinnyTok creator, Liv Schmitt’s subscription-only Instagram group called the Skinny Societé. For $20 per month, members were promised Liv’s exclusive “skinny” weight loss recipes, workout videos, and personal food diaries along with access to group DM threads where members could share weight loss goals, progress, tips and tricks and accountability to the luxurious “skinny life”. We talk about dangerous disordered content and recommendations in the chat groups, the droves of underage members (and lack of verification of ages), and the competitive nature of these weight loss groups. We also talk about how Skinnytok is often painted as more than just a community for sharing weight loss tips, but it’s about achieving an entire luxury brand. EJ and I also talk about how skinnytok messaging is often wrapped up as in the language of health, empowerment, self care, feminism, and investing in yourself. I finish this episode talking about why social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok are not doing their part to protect young people from disordered content, and some suggestions on what they can do better.

Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

June 24, 202531m 44s

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Show Notes

CONTEST INFORMATION!

Reminder - there is a special keyword embedded in today’s episode where you can win a $500 gift card to Shoppers Drug Mart. Simply text the keyword plus you’re full name to 925-555. Standard message rates apply. Go to www.seekyoursounds.com/contests for contest rules. 

Also, if you're a PC optimum member, the Super Redemption Event at Shoppers Drug Mart runs from June 27th until July 2nd, so you can get even more points when you shop in store and online.

Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode on the Skinny Societé and SkinnyTok:

  • 00:38 - Introduction to Skinnytok & the Skinny Societé
  • 04:08 - Eating Disorder Relapse Triggers
  • 07:07 - Underage Girls on SkinnyTok
  • 10:48 - Skinny Competition in the Skinny Societé
  • 18:33 - Skinny Luxury Lifestyle
  • 22:16 - The Culty Intersection between SkinnyTok & Fake Empowerment
  • 25:46 - Is SkinnyTok Fighting Obesity?
  • 28:08 - TikTok and Instagram Are Failing Us

Check in with today’s amazing guest: EJ Dickson

References:

Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.

Don’t forget to Please subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review! It really helps us out.

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