Bronson99
Well-known member
Okay, so this will be controversial but I think it's something that needs discussion.
A while ago I heard about a controversial trend of some websites and forums that discuss, explain, and recommend good strategies for practicing not just anorexia, but also "mia," and self-harm.
Just yesterday I viewed one such Pro-Ana (pro anorexia) forum and was appalled and disturbed by what goes on there. Out of about 15 or so subforums there was only ONE labeled "recovery," and I don't think that's what most people are there for. One thread was asking where is the best location to cut yourself--with suggestions given--another was asking "what tool do you use?" I did not check out the forums discussing diet/weight loss strategies because I didn't want to feel ill, as this is a topic I find very unpleasant.
I cannot fairly take the view of those with eating disorders, etc, and try to understand why some of them would carelessly share their strategies online for all to see, apparently unwilling to consider that they are endorsing dangerous practices--within the guise of a friendly social circle. This I believe constitutes one of the worst aspects of the Internet. I am aware of freedom of speech and the necessity to preserve it, but I'm sorry, I cannot vouch for this, anymore than I can vouch for websites that support ethnic prejudice. (Yes the two are apples and oranges, but I believe both examples could be considered to push the limits of internet freedom.)
I'm wondering if anyone else agrees with me on this--supporting and sharing advice on how to maintain an eating disorder, esp. considering the well-documented health concerns, is just over the line? (And I am not alone on this, as Facebook and Yahoo, for instance, have taken these sites/forums down countless times.)
A while ago I heard about a controversial trend of some websites and forums that discuss, explain, and recommend good strategies for practicing not just anorexia, but also "mia," and self-harm.
Just yesterday I viewed one such Pro-Ana (pro anorexia) forum and was appalled and disturbed by what goes on there. Out of about 15 or so subforums there was only ONE labeled "recovery," and I don't think that's what most people are there for. One thread was asking where is the best location to cut yourself--with suggestions given--another was asking "what tool do you use?" I did not check out the forums discussing diet/weight loss strategies because I didn't want to feel ill, as this is a topic I find very unpleasant.
I cannot fairly take the view of those with eating disorders, etc, and try to understand why some of them would carelessly share their strategies online for all to see, apparently unwilling to consider that they are endorsing dangerous practices--within the guise of a friendly social circle. This I believe constitutes one of the worst aspects of the Internet. I am aware of freedom of speech and the necessity to preserve it, but I'm sorry, I cannot vouch for this, anymore than I can vouch for websites that support ethnic prejudice. (Yes the two are apples and oranges, but I believe both examples could be considered to push the limits of internet freedom.)
I'm wondering if anyone else agrees with me on this--supporting and sharing advice on how to maintain an eating disorder, esp. considering the well-documented health concerns, is just over the line? (And I am not alone on this, as Facebook and Yahoo, for instance, have taken these sites/forums down countless times.)