Algorithm gap persists as YouTube serves eating disorder content to teens, study shows

YouTube continues to recommend harmful eating disorder videos to teenage users, according to a study that reveals a persistent gap between the platform's stated safety rules and its algorithmic enforcement. The findings, reported by BBC News and bbc.co.uk, come despite new UK regulations intended to better protect younger audiences on the site.

BBC NewsYouTube still recommending eating disorder videos to teens, research finds

Researchers found that YouTube's recommendation system still surfaces content that can trigger or worsen eating disorders, even after the platform introduced stricter guidelines. BBC News noted that the study highlights a disconnect between policy and practice, with harmful material remaining accessible through algorithmic suggestions.

Jazmin Kaur, a 22-year-old from Leicester who was diagnosed with anorexia at 13, described how social media content initially seemed innocent but ultimately made her feel worse, according to bbc.co.uk. Her experience reflects a broader pattern identified in the research, where users encounter problematic videos even when seeking recovery or support content.

The study underscores the challenge of enforcing safety measures at scale. While YouTube has implemented rules to limit exposure to harmful content, the algorithm's tendency to promote engaging material can override those protections, BBC News reported. Experts argue that more transparent auditing and design changes are needed to close the gap between policy intent and real-world impact.