We’re proud to share that Dr. Michelle Dees, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, was featured in Yahoo’s April 2024 article, “What Exactly Is A Mukbang And Why Do People Watch Them?” The piece explores the rise of mukbangs—online videos where creators eat large amounts of food while interacting with audiences—and examines both the psychological benefits and potential harms of the trend.
Mukbangs began in South Korea in 2010 as live-streamed “broadcast eating” sessions and have since grown into a global phenomenon across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. While many viewers enjoy them for entertainment, cultural exposure, or ASMR-induced relaxation, experts caution that they may also encourage unhealthy eating behaviors, body image struggles, and food waste. The article highlights these complexities through commentary from psychiatrists, therapists, and clinical directors, balancing both the positive and negative implications of this modern digital subculture.
Dr. Dees was quoted on the powerful role of livestreaming in the mukbang community. She explained that, for some, the interactive nature of live chat functions can create genuine feelings of companionship during mealtimes—especially for those struggling with loneliness. “This feature can give someone who feels completely alone in this world some virtual companionship during mealtimes,” she noted. However, she also cautioned that the lack of moderation in live comment sections can expose both creators and viewers to harmful or triggering feedback, particularly surrounding body image and eating disorders. Her insights highlight the dual-edged nature of online community: it can soothe isolation but also open the door to cyberbullying and mental health risks.
The significance of Dr. Dees’s contribution lies in her ability to bridge psychiatry with real-world cultural trends. Mukbangs are not just about food—they touch on human connection, digital behavior, and mental health. By contextualizing these videos within broader patterns of loneliness, social media use, and disordered eating, Dr. Dees underscores the importance of recognizing how online habits influence emotional wellbeing. Her perspective encourages readers to engage critically with digital content while also validating the real comfort these virtual communities can provide.
At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, we specialize in helping patients navigate the intersection of mental health and modern life. Our services include:
- Advanced psychiatry and personalized medication management
- TMS and Exomind therapy for treatment-resistant depression, focus, and emotional regulation
- Spravato® (esketamine) therapy for depression and PTSD
- Psychotherapy for anxiety, eating disorders, and body image concerns
- Comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs
With offices in Chicago, IL and Orlando, FL, Luxury Psychiatry Clinic provides evidence-based, compassionate care designed for individuals seeking more than just symptom relief.
Dr. Dees’s feature in Yahoo reflects our mission: to understand the cultural forces shaping mental health today and to offer innovative, supportive treatments that meet patients where they are.
