Stories: What I Wish I’d Never Seen
SHARE YOUR STORY
Algorithms are regularly exposing us to body dysmorphia, self-harm, and more — with dangerous effects. Our latest report, Up Next, shows 1 in 9 YouTube videos recommendations to young girls contain harmful eating disorder content.
Have you experienced toxic body image content on social media?
Share your story and speak up for people who are facing issues just like yours.
By submitting your story, you confirm:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You have permission to share this story.
- You are willing to have your story shared publicly if agreed.
We know that talking about experiences like these isn’t always easy. If you decide to share yours with CCDH, we will be very grateful.
Stories like yours help show the real impact harmful algorithms can have on people’s lives. They remind lawmakers, platforms, and the public that behind every statistic is a real person.
Every story is different. Before using yours, we will contact you.
Here’s how your story might be shared:
- On our website
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- In the media
- As an example in events
Anna's Story
Anna Mockel was 14 when she started watching videos about losing weight on YouTube. The more she watched, the more the algorithms recommended harmful content. Until one day, her "Up Next” tab was flooded with videos glorifying skeletal bodies and extreme diets.
"YouTube became this community of people who are competitive with eating disorders. And it kept me in the mindset that [anorexia] wasn't a problem because so many other people online were doing the same thing."
Anna is now eating disorder policy advocate.
Take Action
Big Tech is exposing people to harmful body image
YouTube puts teenage girls at risk by recommending harmful eating disorder videos. Join us in calling on YouTube's CEO to stop exposing children and vulnerable people to this life-threatening content. Sign our letter.
