S3E4: (Th)interventions for (Th)inspiration? Policy Responses to the Rise of Pro-Anorexia Websites

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We know about the dangers of the Dark Web, but what about the Thin Web? First Year Kennedy School Students Lucy O’Keeffe and Nagela Nukuna sit down with Andrea Alvarez Marin to discuss vulnerable corners of the internet where eating disorders such as Anorexia (“Ana”) and Bulimia (“Mia”) proliferate. Some of these “pro-Ana” websites glorify the pursuit of a thin, idealized body type, but they also attract people seeking support in dealing with their illness. What could and should public health- focused regulation look like in these delicate situations? Tune in to hear Alvarez Marin’s thoughts on the topic. 

Andrea Alvarez Marin is a Master of Public Administration candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School. She also earned a Master of Public Health degree from the Yale School of Public Health in 2014. 

Lucy O’Keeffe is a first-year Master in Public Policy student at HKS, concentrating in international and global affairs. Prior to HKS she worked in environmental and energy economics research at Resources for the Future in Washington, D.C.  She holds a BA in Economics and Environmental Policy from Colby College. 

Nagela Nukuna is a Joint Degree MPP/MBA Student, in her first year of the MPP Program at HKS. During her time as Undergraduate Student Body President, she worked on a number of issues, ranging from sexual assault policies on college campuses to mental health services for students. Her current policy focus is on developing scalable solutions for social policies, and designing more equitable systems in our society.

Image Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/gzb4RKX-pdc