Social media influencer Eugenia Cooney has once again raised alarming concerns regarding her health after a distressing incident during a live TikTok stream. The 30-year-old appeared disoriented and subsequently collapsed on camera, prompting worry among her fans. Initially trying to reassure viewers that she was "okay," Cooney soon slumped back on her sofa and was seen gagging, stating she "wasn't feeling that great" and attributing her condition to "letting my stress get to me." This abrupt end to the livestream led viewers to share their concerns widely across social media platforms, with many expressing fears for her well-being.

Cooney, who has built a significant online presence with over 2.7 million followers on TikTok and about 2.1 million subscribers on YouTube, has a long history of discussing her struggles with eating disorders. Since she began posting in 2013, her visibly thin appearance has drawn ongoing criticism and concern from her audience, leading to petitions advocating for her removal from social media until she seeks help. Indeed, some fans reacted to her recent livestream by stating that her condition looked severe and frightening, with one user noting, "That stare she was doing when she sat back was so scary and upsetting. I think this is the worst I've seen her."

In the days following the livestream, Jeffree Star, a close friend and fellow influencer, voiced his concerns, stating that Cooney was "clearly not okay" and urging viewers to exhibit compassion and kindness. Star expressed frustration over speculation regarding Cooney’s health, reminding the public that they do not know her struggles and the behind-the-scenes efforts being made to support her. He stated emphatically, “You have no idea what she's going through. Show a little compassion, show a little kindness.”

The concerns surrounding Cooney are not isolated but reflect a broader issue concerning the influence of social media on mental health, particularly among young audiences. Health experts warn that symptoms observed in Cooney, such as extreme fatigue and a gaunt appearance, can indicate severe malnourishment and other medical issues. These conditions often lead to complications, including muscle loss that could make individuals more vulnerable to injuries. Moreover, rising rates of eating disorders among youth in the UK underscore the urgency of this issue. Recent figures revealed that over 10,600 children were awaiting treatment for eating disorders in England, a significant increase from previous years.

Research has shown a concerning link between social media exposure and body image dissatisfaction, particularly among young women. A study conducted by Australian researchers found that exposure to ‘pro-anorexia’ content on platforms like TikTok notably decreased body image satisfaction, raising alarms about the risks posed to impressionable young minds. In this context, social media platforms, including TikTok, face scrutiny regarding their responsibilities to protect users from harmful content. TikTok recently initiated measures to redirect searches related to Cooney towards educational resources on eating disorders, a step seen as pivotal in combatting misinformation and harmful rhetoric surrounding body image.

As Cooney's handling of her health is closely observed, the complexities of her situation serve as a reminder of the profound impact social media can have on mental and physical health. The difficult balance between maintaining a public persona and prioritising well-being continues to be a challenge for many influencers. Cooney has previously sought medical help for her eating disorder following an intervention by friends in 2019, but her journey remains fraught with obstacles. While she has reportedly been in communication with therapists, her latest actions suggest a need for ongoing support and perhaps a reevaluation of her relationship with social media.

As the discussion around Eugenia Cooney continues, it shines a light on the often overlooked struggles faced by those in the public eye and serves as a call for a more responsible approach to content sharing and consumption in the digital age.

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Source: Noah Wire Services