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Analyzing the Phenomenon of Mukbang: Impacts on Eating Behaviors and Health

GOOVER DAILY REPORT August 3, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Introduction to Mukbang
  3. Mukbang and Eating Behaviors
  4. Motivations Behind Watching Mukbang
  5. Health Effects of Watching Mukbang
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report explores Mukbang, an online trend originating in South Korea that involves hosts consuming large amounts of food while engaging with viewers. The study examines the effects of watching Mukbang on eating behaviors and anthropometric parameters among Iranian female students. It also delves into the psychological and social motivations behind its popularity, highlighting its global spread through platforms like Afreeca TV and YouTube. Key findings suggest that Mukbang influences viewers' dietary habits, potentially prompting overeating and leading to negative health implications such as weight gain. The report addresses the health risks posed by increased caloric intake and unhealthy eating habits encouraged by Mukbang.

2. Introduction to Mukbang

  • 2-1. Definition and Origin of Mukbang

  • Mukbang is a South Korean term that combines 'meokneun' (eating) and 'bangsong' (broadcast). This phenomenon involves a host, often referred to as a 'mukbanger' or 'broadcast jockey,' who consumes a large quantity of food while interacting with their audience. The trend began in South Korea, originally broadcasted on the Afreeca TV channel in the late 2000s. Mukbang typically features the host eating an exceptionally large amount of food, which can include a variety of items such as fried chicken, ramen noodles, or rice cakes. During the broadcast, the host interacts with viewers, often amplifying the sounds of eating, such as chewing and drinking soda.

  • 2-2. Evolution and Global Spread

  • Mukbang started gaining popularity outside South Korea in 2015, with its content becoming widely available on platforms like YouTube. Originally popularized by South Korean mukbangers on Afreeca TV, the trend quickly spread to other parts of the world and achieved global recognition. Its immersive and interactive nature, where the mukbanger engages live with the audience, has been a key factor in its global appeal. The trend has reached various cultural contexts, with viewers across the globe tuning in to watch hosts consume large amounts of food.

3. Mukbang and Eating Behaviors

  • 3-1. Impact on Eating Habits

  • Mukbang, a term originating from the South Korean words 'meokneun' (eating) and 'bangsong' (broadcast), describes a live or prerecorded program where the host consumes large quantities of food while interacting with the audience. Initially broadcasted on Afreeca TV in South Korea in 2008, Mukbang has gained global popularity, reaching various demographics, including Iranian female students. The phenomenon of Mukbang has raised concerns among critics about its potential effects on viewers' eating habits, notably the risk of promoting overeating.

  • 3-2. Correlation with Anthropometric Parameters in Viewers

  • A study focusing on Iranian female students investigated the relationship between watching Mukbang and changes in eating behaviors and anthropometric parameters. The findings suggest that regular viewing of Mukbang can influence viewers' dietary habits. Despite the cultural differences and the distinct context of Iranian female students, the propensity to overeat while watching Mukbang is a common concern, potentially leading to unhealthy weight changes and other negative anthropometric outcomes.

4. Motivations Behind Watching Mukbang

  • 4-1. Psychological and Social Motivations

  • Mukbang, a term derived from the Korean words 'meokneun' (eating) and 'bangsong' (broadcast), has gained considerable popularity worldwide since its inception in the late 2000s in South Korea. One significant reason behind this phenomenon can be attributed to various psychological and social motivations. For viewers, mukbang videos offer a form of escapism and a way to alleviate loneliness by simulating the communal experience of eating together. The interaction between the streamers, known as mukbangers, and the viewers provides a sense of companionship and connection. In particular, the courteous and gentle manner of speaking adopted by the mukbangers creates a welcoming and comforting atmosphere, which appeals to viewers seeking social engagement.

  • 4-2. Viewer Engagement and Interaction

  • Viewer engagement and interaction play a crucial role in the popularity of Mukbang videos. A mukbanger consumes large quantities of food while interacting with the audience in real-time or through pre-recorded videos. This interaction includes chatting with viewers, responding to comments, and fostering a community-like environment. The auditory experience, including the sounds of chewing, biting, and drinking, can be amplified for viewer enjoyment, enhancing the sense of presence and realism. Platforms like YouTube and Afreeca TV have facilitated the widespread accessibility and interaction opportunities, allowing viewers from around the globe to engage with mukbang content. The appeal lies not only in the visual and auditory stimulation but also in the active participation and shared experience of food consumption.

5. Health Effects of Watching Mukbang

  • 5-1. Potential Negative Health Consequences

  • Mukbang, an online eating trend, involves hosts consuming large quantities of food in front of a camera for an audience. While this phenomenon, which originated in South Korea, offers social and psychological engagement, it also raises significant health concerns. Health and nutrition experts have highlighted the potential negative consequences of participating in or regularly watching Mukbang. The primary concern is overeating, as the format often encourages the consumption of excessive amounts of food, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits and other related health issues.

  • 5-2. Weight Gain and Overeating Risks

  • One of the most significant health risks associated with watching Mukbang is weight gain due to overeating. The nature of Mukbang encourages viewers to indulge in similar eating behaviors, possibly leading to an increase in caloric intake. This can result in weight gain and associated health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Experts stress that the excessive consumption of food during these broadcasts can have detrimental effects on both the hosts and the viewers, reinforcing unhealthy eating habits.

6. Conclusion

  • Mukbang, which has garnered global attention from its origins on Afreeca TV in South Korea, significantly impacts eating behaviors and health. While the trend offers psychological benefits like alleviating loneliness and simulating communal dining experiences, it also encourages overeating, posing health risks that include obesity and other related conditions. Iranian female students, like other global audiences, are susceptible to these influences, which can alter their anthropometric parameters. Future research is essential to understand these health effects thoroughly and to create guidelines for safer consumption of Mukbang content. Practical measures might include monitoring caloric intake and promoting mindful eating habits. As Mukbang continues to evolve, its potential health risks must be addressed to mitigate adverse effects while preserving the social and psychological benefits it offers.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Mukbang [Trend]

  • Mukbang is an online broadcast trend that originated in South Korea, where hosts consume large quantities of food while interacting with viewers. Its global spread has raised questions about its impact on viewers' eating behaviors and health.

  • 7-2. Afreeca TV [Platform]

  • A Korean video platform where Mukbang initially gained popularity. It played a significant role in the global spread of Mukbang by providing a platform for streamers to broadcast their eating shows.

  • 7-3. Anthropometric Parameters [Scientific Term]

  • Refers to measurements and data related to the human body's physical dimensions and composition. The report studies the relationship between watching Mukbang and changes in anthropometric parameters among viewers.

8. Source Documents