ChatGPT and High School Students' Eating Habits: Benefits, Risks, and Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study investigated the eating behavior of high school students and the impact of ChatGPT on it, based on a survey of 315 adolescents aged 15-19 years in the district of Haskovo, Bulgaria. Survey results highlight significant concerns among participants related to body image, with 18.1% expressing dissatisfaction and 24.8% aspiring to achieve a thinner physique. Anxious eating patterns, such as vomiting after meals and using laxatives, were reported in 10.5% of respondents. The following factors associated with body image dissatisfaction were identified referring to eating disorders factors, fear of weight gain, alterations in eating habits, and emotional distress. The study revealed that 31.4% of participants were used to getting information on healthy eating from the Internet, including ChatGPT, while only 10.5% were used to consulting their general practitioner (GP). While ChatGPT certainly demonstrates its value by delivering personalized nutritional guidance and fostering a positive body image through respectful language, caution is essential due to potential risks. Concerns include the possibility of misinformation, as users might solely rely on ChatGPT without crossreferencing information from reliable sources. Unintentional contributions to unrealistic beauty standards and a lack of content personalization are additional considerations. In conclusion, ChatGPT can serve as a reliable tool to guide high school students to a healthier lifestyle. However, reasonable usage is very important. Stakeholders in education should encourage critical thinking, advocate for fact-checking, and promote a balanced approach to leverage both the benefits and potential risks associated with AI-generated content on health and nutrition.

Keywords

• ChatGPT
• Artificial Intelligence
• Eating behavior
• Eating disorders

References

1. Stoyanova, R., Shopov, D., Indjian, K., & Dimova, R. (2024). ChatGPT and high school students' eating habits: benefits, risks, and insights from a cross-sectional study. The Eurasia Proceedings of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (EPSTEM), 27, 130-135.