Author Date

2025-12-03

Degree Name

BS

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science

College

Life Sciences

Defense Date

2025-12-03

Publication Date

2025-12-03

First Faculty Advisor

Rickelle Richards

First Faculty Reader

Nathan Stokes

Honors Coordinator

Susan Fullmer

Keywords

Nutrition, Social Media, Nutritional Science, Nutritional Guidelines, Misinformation

Abstract

Social media is becoming an increasingly popular platform used by young people to garner information, but this information is not always accurate. Understanding the degree of influence social media has on college students’ dietary habits and attitudes toward nutritional guidelines is vital for improving nutrition literacy efforts and creating policies to protect against nutritional misinformation. This study examined the associations between the social media habits of college students, their attitudes toward nutritional guidelines, and their ability to detect nutritional misinformation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 457 undergraduate students at Brigham Young University. The content validity of the survey was assessed by expert reviewers and face validity was ensured via cognitive interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to perform analysis of the data. We found that those who demonstrate a willingness to change their behaviors due to social media influences are more likely to perceive their eating habits as healthier. We also found that college students have varying attitudes towards Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This information can direct nutritional research and policies.

Download

Share

COinS