:0 Mukbang??
Mukbang (noun): a eating show, became popular in Korea in 2010, but made its way here in America. (fun fact) its a combination of two Korean words that translate to Muokda, which is to eat, and Bang Song, which is to broadcast.
Lately, I have been coming across these videos of just people sitting right in front of the camera and just eating a lot of food: Mukbangs. Mukbangs seems to have blown up, with some YouTube videos consisting of millions of viewers. Apparently eating can also be content, but I wonder what kind of impact it would have on people? As harmless as it seems, these Mukbang, videos has a great impact on viewers.
Most videos would begin with the person wearing headphones, or ear buds to record the sound of their eating (probably since it is closer to their mouth) and would whisper. It may be strange to some, but others may enjoy Mukbangs because of the "asmr" or to have some company when eating. For some people, Mukbangs helps people who don't enjoy eating so much (such as my sister) and can make food look more appetizing. For me, when I was watching one, where the person was just eating a lot of pink foods and junk, I was eating the rest my unfinished sandwich from lunch (not that you asked) but it all of a sudden tasted way better. I think that it was probably because by watching someone eat a lot of perhaps my favorite foods, it made my own food that I was eating more appetizing. Its almost like you are eating the virtual food itself when watching someone eat it in front of you.
This kind of content, some may concern would promote over-eating. This kind of behavior (although entertaining) could send a message of unhealthy eating and battling against the body by completing these insane calorie-sucking challenges. I would be attracted to the screaming titles of "50,000 calorie challenge" and so on, but the reality is the real dangers of eating an abnormal amount that could damage the body. While Mukbangs have been proven to some, to help those who suffer anorexia, under certain circumstances, also risks bulimia, a binge eating disorder. Despite the hype on Mukbangs, the reality behind this marketing can be dangerous. These Mukbang producers who get paid by eating a ton, would be harming their bodies. In Mukbang, I came across many Youtubers who gorge on pounds of spicy ramen noodles, eating perhaps two days worth of meal. Not only this, but Mukbangs could be misleading because even if the person who is consuming an immense amount of food, but still looks thin and healthy, it could send a message that binge eating loads and loads of calories is healthy and normal.
Overall, Mukbang is a type of content that is entertaining, and could even be beneficial as well as harmful. The enticing food and company could help viewers feel less alone, while those who may suffer anorexia may be more encouraged to eat with more appetite. The down side, however is the possible messages that it sends, such as how it may promote eating an immense and unhealthy amount of food, and send the idea that it is healthy and normal. This message could lead to bulimia, and even the Mukbang producers themselves may suffer in exchange for the money and fame.
Peace.
-Livian
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