"This is not pro-ana": Denial and disguise in pro-anorexia online spaces. Issue 2 (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cobb, Gemma
• Is Part Of: Fat studies. Volume 6:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 205
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Censorship -- neoliberalism -- normalization -- postfeminism -- pro-ana -- thinspo; Obesity -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Overweight persons -- Periodicals; Body weight -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 362.196398
• DOI: 10.1080/21604851.2017.1244801
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-4851

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As a result of censorship by internet moderators and vilification by the mainstream media, users of "pro-ana" online spaces deploy creative devices in order to remain online. These range from coining obscure hashtags, such as "#thynspo, " to displaying disclaimers to deny that the space is pro-ana. In this article, I draw on empirical research collected across websites and social media to argue that through denial and disguise of pro-ana, the phenomenon is being normalized. Using theories of postfeminism and neoliberalism, I suggest that the boundaries between pro-ana and the everyday espousal of thinness are more blurred than ever.