YouTube is set to limit recommendations of certain health and fitness videos to teenagers, including those which “idealise” certain body types.
As per its latest ruling, around 13 to 17-year-old users will be able to search for and view fitness-related content – however will not be encouraged into repeated viewing of similar videos.
YouTube says it is acting because of concerns that repeated exposure to such material can lead young people to develop “negative beliefs” about themselves.
YouTube’s algorithm will usually recommend similar content for users to watch once they have finished a particular video, as well as displaying related videos on a sidebar.
The platform says this will no longer be offered for teens when they view certain types of content, including:
- videos that compare physical features and idealises some types over others
- videos idealising specific fitness levels or body weights
- videos displaying social aggression in the form of non-contact fights and intimidation
YouTube said the measures were being taken after its Youth and Familes Advisory Committee found that “teens are more likely than adults to form negative beliefs about themselves when seeing repeated messages about ideal standards in content they consume online.”
However, the restrictions on what videos are offered will only be possible if the user is logged in to a YouTube account – and if they have registered an accurate date of birth.
The platform has no means of verifying the age users claim to be.