Inducing Behavioral Change in Seekers of Pro-Anorexia Content Using Internet Advertisements: Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The influence of pro-anorexia (pro-ana) websites is debated, with studies indicating both negative and positive effects, as well as significant variation in the effects of different websites for those suffering from eating disorders (EDs) and the general population. Online advertising, known to induce behavioral change both online and in the physical world, has not been used so far to modify the search behavior of people seeking pro-ana content.

Objective

The objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine if online advertisements (ads) can change online search behaviors of users who are looking for online pro-ana content.

Methods

Using the Bing Ads system, we conducted an RCT to randomly expose the searchers for pro-ana content to 10 dif

SUBMITTER: Yom-Tov E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5843795 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature