International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Changing Food Habits among Adolescents: The Influence of Social Media and the Hype around Street Food

Author(s) Dr. Chandraprabha
Country India
Abstract Food has always been more than sustenance; it is a symbol of identity, belonging, and cultural participation. In recent years, the dietary patterns of adolescents have undergone remarkable change, largely influenced by social media platforms and the growing popularity of street food culture. Once rooted in traditional home-based diets, young people are increasingly turning to visually appealing, easily accessible, and trend-driven foods popularized online. This paper interprets the social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of these shifting food habits. Drawing on theories of consumer behaviour and digital influence, it analyses how Instagram, YouTube, and short video platforms have transformed food from a domestic necessity into a performative lifestyle choice. The study also explores how street food, amplified by social media hype, has emerged as both a site of indulgence and identity expression for urban and semi-urban adolescents. The findings suggest that social media shapes not only what adolescents eat but also how they perceive food—turning it into a medium for self-presentation, peer bonding, and cultural experimentation. However, this transformation also raises health and ethical concerns about hygiene, consumption patterns, and digital marketing strategies targeting youth. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for critical food literacy that helps adolescents navigate between pleasure, culture, and nutrition in the digital age.
Keywords adolescents, social media, food habits, street food, digital culture, consumption, identity
Published In Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On 2025-10-28
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58867

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