Food Allergies and Social Media: The Pros and Cons

Close up of phone screen with social media apps

Do you have a love-hate relationship with social media?

The pros:

  • Solidarity from those who get it.

  • Tricks from those with lived experience.

  • Support and encouragement during tough times.

The cons:

  • What works for one family may not work for another.

  • Need to put things into context.

  • More anxiety!!

I am on multiple food allergies FB groups. Social media is a great place to find your community. I have found comfort in the words of encouragement by others. It is a good place to speak your mind when you feel that on one else gets it.


I have also heard how social media can generate more anxiety. Partly because we hear stories of worse case scenarios more often than we do of stories of hope. People also tend to remember the negative events more readily than the positive ones - this is only human. So it is not surprising if a new food allergy mama feels overwhelmed.

Remember these social media tips:

  • Cases that are more severe tend to congregate together because they need the support.

  • Your situation and baby could be different from another mom and her baby.

  • If you start feeling more anxious, take a step back and talk to your healthcare provider.

  • You can take the good and leave the bad.

  • You don't have to engage in conversations that drain you.

Food AllergiesMun Chofood allergies, positive thinking, managing food allergiesComment