Food is best enjoyed when it’s shared. So sharing it on social media is just a natural progression.
Heidi Hurwitz
From poke bowls to cottage cheese bread, pizza made from a sweet potato base to air-fried zucchini chips, our social media feeds have become an all you-can-eat buffet of innovative edible creations that leave little to the imagination. As both consumers and content creators, we are drawn to these piquant posts, rich reels and scrumptious stories, so there’s no question of whether or not to share them.
Instead, the real question is more of an existential one: if you haven’t taken a pic of your meal and posted it on Instagram or TikTok, did it even exist in the first place?
The fact is, we just can’t resist snapping and sharing images of our meals online. But what fuels this trend of food photography, and why are we so captivated by it?
Taking pics of our meals before we dig in has become so popular that it even has a name: foodstagramming. And just like returning a wave, only to realise the person was waving at someone else, most of us have done it at some point, whether we care to admit it or not.
Food pics resonate with us because they are universally relatable and easy to produce – simply order a meal at your favourite restaurant, and there you have it. Or make your own at home and showcase your culinary skills, the product of your own blood, sweat and tears. Okay, maybe that last part doesn’t sound too appetising.
Delving into the psychology behind our obsession with posting food pics on social media reveals a blend of factors at play. First, food holds a special place in our lives beyond mere sustenance. It’s a form of self-expression, cultural identity and creativity. By sharing photos of what we eat, we’re not just showcasing a dish – we’re sharing a part of our lifestyle and personality.
“If you haven’t taken a pic of your meal and posted it on Instagram or TikTok, did it even exist in the first place?”
Posting food pics also taps into our primal need to connect. Sharing that perfect smashed avo toast or those deliciously decadent peanut butter protein pops gives us a sense of belonging. It’s like throwing a virtual dinner party where everyone bonds over their love of edible art, discovers new flavours and swaps restaurant tips.
The rise of FOMO
Then there’s the social aspect of our culinary chronicles. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, communal dining shifts have evolved to become virtual experiences. Imagine your friends feasting on a new sushi platter while you’re stuck in your office; if you notice their pictures flooding your feed, a pang of FOMO (fear of missing out) strikes. It’s not just about the food, it’s about connection.
Food documentation fuels the desire to be “in the know”, to be part of the dining conversation. It also fosters a culture where everyone is invited to the table, even if that table is miles away. The simple act of sharing a meal, however visually appealing
it may be, has morphed into a digital gathering that draws in thousands of participants.
Looking good
The visual appeal of food pics is another significant factor in their popularity. Images of vibrant and colourful smoothies, artfully crafted lattes with the steam almost drifting off our devices, or decadent pastries with their crumbs so vividly photographed we can almost taste them, are visually stimulating, evoking a sensory experience that makes our scrolling fingers stop in their tracks. In a world dominated by visual content, food pics stand out as a feast for the eyes, triggering cravings and inspiring culinary adventures.
This trend has led to the rise of food influencers and food-centric platforms, propelling the sharing of food pics to new heights. Influencers curate mouth-watering content, showcasing foods from around the world and setting trends in food photography. As a result, many social media users are inspired to join in, sharing their own culinary escapades and engaging with this burgeoning online community. By capturing and sharing images of our culinary experiences, we’re not just showcasing food but also telling stories, forging connections and indulging in a shared passion for all things
delicious. We’re not just sharing our meal; we’re sharing a moment.
In the world of food, every picture tells a story. So next time you find yourself snapping a quick shot of your meal, know that you’re participating in a grand tradition of sharing, connecting and creating in the most tasteful (see what I did there) way possible.