Abstract
This chapter provides concluding remarks concerning the topics discussed throughout the whole book. First, it discusses the complexity of the studied problematic areas and points out several issues important to consider in the assessment of the impact of technology—specifically, what users perceive as beneficial might not be seen as beneficial from the point of view of society. Second, technology usage is a complex process that can result in a variety of outcomes, which may be either intended or unintended. Third, it is crucial to consider these factors on individual, social, and national levels, which are all connected to eating behaviors and technology usage. The chapter then summarizes the major risks and benefits related to topics discussed in each chapter. It specifies how digital technology usage depends on the needs, motivations, and goals of its users, which determine both the expected benefits and potential risks of their usage. This is shown in every major topic of this book, including selection and evaluation of information online, impact of media on body image, membership in online groups and communities, as well as usage of mobile health tools and applications. Then, the focus is given specifically to risks and benefits connected with usage of digital technology among people with eating disorders, issues for professionals who work with these people, and its potential for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Next, the chapter discusses challenges and limitations of current research on eating behaviors and technologies. In this regard, it is demonstrated how dominant attention is given to risky or beneficial phenomena but that we lack more robust knowledge about “normal eating behaviors,” which means the eating behaviors of the majority of the population. Moreover, methodological aspects are considered, such as problematic measurement and difficulties connected with sampling. Specific attention is given to the potential of further development of technologies, such as usage of smart technologies, new types of wearables, and the impact of augmented and virtual reality. These areas may be influential in the future, but their role has not yet received substantial research attention; therefore, they are not explored within this book. Final remarks are provided with regard to the overall development of technologies and their role in our lives.
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Šmahel, D., Macháčková, H., Šmahelová, M., Čevelíček, M., Almenara, C.A., Holubčíková, J. (2018). Conclusions of the Book: Risks and Benefits of Digital Technology in Eating Behaviors and Eating Disorders. In: Digital Technology, Eating Behaviors, and Eating Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93221-7_10
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