In recent years, the way people experience meals has evolved. While dining has traditionally been a time for socializing with family and friends, there has been a growing trend of incorporating entertainment into mealtimes. With the rise of platforms like YouTube and TikTok, many find themselves watching trending videos on their phones while eating. One such trend that has gained popularity is mukbang, where viewers watch individuals consume large plates of food, often while they themselves are dining.
Mukbangs have taken the internet by storm, with creators such as @jellybean.sweets, @realnikocadoavocado, @stephaniesooyt and @veronicawangco gaining fame for consuming large quantities of food while either reacting to other content, sharing stories from their lives or remaining silent, allowing their microphone to capture every crunch and bite. Mukbangs have grown so quickly in popularity that even lifestyle influencers like @katieritchiie and @rhegan777 have started posting more mukbang and food-related content. The combination of relatability and delicious-looking food resonates with viewers, offering them a sense of comfort and enjoyment.
“I love watching mukbangs because they are always really calming to watch and listen to,” senior Kailey Chan said. “Personally, I love creators that also tell a story while they eat.”
Originally from South Korea, mukbangs were created to foster connections and engage with viewers through live streaming. As the trend became more westernized, however, the format shifted from live interactions to edited clips shared on social media, focusing more on entertainment and profit rather than building direct connections.
As mukbangs continue to rise in popularity, concerns are growing about the impact of binge-eating content on both creators and viewers. A study analyzing mukbang videos on YouTube found that 83.5% of the videos featured overeating, with these videos attracting more views than those that did not. According to the study, watching creators consume large amounts of high-calorie foods, like dozens of Crumbl cookies or multiple pizzas, can unintentionally normalize unhealthy eating habits. This is especially concerning when some creators may take smaller bites and edit their videos to make it appear as though they have eaten everything, potentially increasing engagement and profits with less effort while normalizing these eating habits.
“I believe that mukbangs can have a negative effect on audiences as it shows people, especially younger audiences, that it is okay to consume that much food when in reality it isn’t,” senior Frances Lin said. “Many mukbangers actually don’t consume the amount they are claiming that they do online, but our younger audiences aren’t aware of that and thus are the most.”
“I will say that I understand the fun and appeal in being the viewer,” Food & Nutrition teacher Ms. Mejia said. “However, it creates concerns for me. I automatically think of health issues, potential eating disorders and food waste.”
While mukbangs have sparked controversy, some argue that they can be beneficial for individuals who struggle with eating. Watching someone eat without fear and engage in interesting conversations might help create a safe, non-judgmental space that encourages viewers to develop healthier eating habits.
“By watching other individuals happily consume various foods, it’s comforting and encouraging for others with poor eating habits,” junior Shalini Chatoorang said. “It shows that they can indulge and enjoy their meals without guilt. If other people can, so should they.”
The ongoing controversy raises an important question: Should creators be responsible for considering whether their content might be seen as glamorizing binge eating, or should viewers take the initiative to educate themselves about healthy eating habits before watching these videos?
“Mukbang is an ambivalent topic,” junior Sharon Xiao said. “In my opinion, mukbangers have the right to do whatever they want on the internet; however, it is important to understand that some of these diets that they promote online are unrealistic and often a ploy for more clicks and views.”
