Can Watching Mukbang Cause Depression? A New Study Reveals a Surprising Fact

Illustration of eating while watching mukbang. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - The mukbang phenomenon is becoming increasingly popular in many countries, including Indonesia. Originating from South Korea, mukbang is an online broadcast featuring someone eating large portions of food while interacting with viewers.

While entertaining, a recent study warns that watching mukbang too often can impact mental health.

A study published in BMC Psychiatry in 2025 found a link between frequent mukbang viewing and an increased risk of depression.

The study involved 1,210 Korean adults aged 20 to 64, with an average age of 43.5. The survey was conducted in July 2024, and respondents were asked questions about their mukbang viewing habits and any symptoms of depression they experienced.

The results were quite surprising. Nearly half of participants (47.5 percent) admitted to watching mukbang, with an overall prevalence of depression reaching 18.4 percent.

Things that Interestingly, respondents who watched mukbang three or more times a week were nearly three times more likely to experience depression than those who never watched it.

"Participants who watched mukbang more than three times per week had a significantly higher risk of depression, including symptoms of major depression," the researchers wrote in the report, as quoted from the BMC Psychiatry website.

The study also found that certain groups were more susceptible to depression. These included young adults, those with low incomes, those with low education, those who frequently binge eat (eating excessively at least once a week), and those who watched mukbang more frequently and for longer periods.

In fact, in the group that watched mukbang most frequently, depressive symptoms were not only mild but could even reach the level of major depression.

"Compared to the group that never watched mukbang, the group that watched mukbang most frequently had a higher prevalence of depression," the researchers explained.

In addition to depression, the study also touched on the impact of mukbang on eating habits. As many as 38.3 percent of respondents reported no changes in their eating patterns. However, the rest admitted to being influenced, such as imitating the food displayed, trying to cook the same menu, and even snacking in larger portions than usual.

While this study cannot confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers found two main possible causes.

First, mukbang is often a way for people who are feeling lonely or depressed. By watching mukbang, viewers feel a sense of social presence and the experience of eating together, even if they are actually alone.

Second, there is a possible bidirectional relationship. People who already have symptoms of depression tend to seek solace through mukbang. However, the more they watch, the worse their emotional state can become.

"Viewers who already experience symptoms of depression may be more likely to seek mukbang content as a distraction or comfort, suggesting a bidirectional influence," the researchers wrote.