# The Distressing Ads That Persist: Uncovering The Harms of Targeted Weight-Loss Ads Among Users with Histories of Disordered Eating

**Authors:** Liza Gak, Seyi Olojo, Niloufar Salehi  
**arXiv:** [2204.03200](https://arxiv.org/abs/2204.03200)  
**Date:** 2022-04-07  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2204.03200v2/

## Key points

- Three key features of targeted advertising that contribute to harm:
- Persistence of personal data exposing vulnerabilities
- Oversimplified algorithmic relevancy models
- Design patterns promoting engagement leading to unhealthy behaviors
- Targeted weight-loss ads reinforced low self-esteem and exacerbated existing anxieties surrounding food and exercise for individuals with histories of disordered eating.
- Individuals demonstrated agency and resistance against distressing ads despite negative impacts.
- Introduction of the concept of "postcolonial environmental studies" to explain how online targeted advertising inflicts harms that may not be immediately apparent.
- The study highlights the long-term effects of targeted weight-loss advertising on vulnerable populations, shedding light on the insidious nature of such marketing tactics.
- Engaging a more diverse audience in future studies is aimed at better understanding the full scope of those affected by targeted weight-loss advertising.
- Participants were shown typical online weight-loss advertisements during interviews to prompt critical reflection and gauge their reactions and mental models after exposure.
- The research emphasizes how targeted weight-loss advertising perpetuates harmful narratives around body image and food consumption for vulnerable groups.

## Summary

In their study, Gak, Olojo, and Salehi explore the  on individuals with histories of  They identify three key features of targeted advertising that contribute to harm: the persistence of personal data exposing vulnerabilities, oversimplified algorithmic relevancy models, and design patterns promoting engagement that can lead to unhealthy behaviors. Through semi-structured interviews with individuals who have experienced unhealthy body stigma, dieting, and disordered eating, the researchers found that targeted weight-loss ads reinforced low self-esteem and exacerbated existing anxieties surrounding food and exercise. Despite this negative impact, they also observed instances where individuals demonstrated agency and resistance against distressing ads. Drawing on insights from postcolonial environmental studies, the authors introduce the concept of  to explain how online targeted advertising inflicts harms that may not be immediately apparent. By highlighting the long-term effects of these advertisements on vulnerable populations, the study sheds light on the insidious nature of such marketing tactics. The researchers aim to broaden their reach by engaging a more diverse audience in future studies to better understand the full scope of those affected by targeted weight-loss advertising. During their interviews, participants were shown typical online weight-loss advertisements to gauge their reactions and mental models after exposure. This approach aimed to prompt critical reflection among participants in response to these ads, which can be challenging without a concrete example. By delving into individual responses to these advertisements, the study provides valuable insights into how targeted weight-loss advertising impacts individuals with histories of disordered eating. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of how  can perpetuate harmful narratives around body image and food consumption for vulnerable groups. The findings underscore the importance of considering the nuanced ways in which  practices can influence individuals' well-being and highlight the need for greater awareness and regulation in this space.