Mukbang—What It Is and Why This Food Trend Can Be Dangerous for Kids and Teens
When you search “mukbang meaning,” you’re presented with hundreds of videos online where someone is eating a large portion of food in front of a camera. It’s a trend on YouTube and TikTok and has the younger generation hooked, but there are some concerns parents should be aware of.
The person isn’t just having a snack—they consume enormous portions of takeout food, usually pizza, sushi, fried chicken, burritos, or even exotic dishes, occasionally for tens of minutes, and sometimes for hours. And they don’t stay silent while doing it; they interact with the audience, tell stories, joke, and answer questions. For us millennials, raised on the principle of “don’t talk with your mouth full,” this can be shocking. Yet, young people love it.
So, what exactly is this?
This format is called mukbang (or in another variation, mokbang), and over the past ten years, it has become a true global internet phenomenon.
Why do some people enjoy watching others overeat a bucket of noodles? Is it a way to cope with loneliness, a strange form of stress relief, or just another source of worry for parents?
Contents:
- The Origins of the “Food Porn” Phenomenon
- Creepy or Cool: Why Some People Enjoy Mukbang While Others Feel Disgusted
- Why Authorities Are Considering Banning Mukbang
- What Should Parents Do?
- FAQs
The Origins of the “Food Porn” Phenomenon
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The word mukbang comes from the Korean term meokbang먹다 (meokda), meaning “to eat,” and 방송 (bangsong), meaning “broadcast.” Literally, it translates as “eating broadcast.”
As the name suggests, this format originated in South Korea around the early 2010s, when fast internet and the rising popularity of streaming platforms and video hosting services, such as AfreecaTV, made it possible for people to go live from home.
The first mukbang hosts were ordinary users. They simply turned on their cameras and ate live, while simultaneously chatting with viewers in real time. It resembled a traditional meal gathering, only in an online space—viewers could join the conversation (and, in a sense, the consumption of food) even from a great distance.
Initially, these broadcasts were modest: small portions of food, such as the Korean specialty sulbang, and casual conversation. Over time, however, the format gained popularity. To capture viewers’ attention, hosts—commonly called BJs—began increasing portion sizes to impressive levels, and the act of eating itself often turned into a performance.
Today, a single mukbang meal can involve portions enough to feed six adults. The average calorie intake per session ranges from 7,000–10,000 to 15,000–20,000 calories (while the normal daily requirement is 2,000–2,500!).
Why South Korea?
To understand why this format emerged specifically in South Korea, we need to look at the sociocultural context. We’ve all heard about the strong work ethic in Asia, and South Koreans are no exception. Life in South Korea is a mix of a hectic pace, heavy workloads, and constant social pressure.
The lack of work-life balance, combined with sky-high housing costs, makes life quite lonely for many South Koreans. According to 2018 data, one-third (29.3%) of all households in South Korea consist of a single person, and this number continues to rise steadily. Experts predict that by 2052, nearly every second South Korean will live alone.
Small apartments, packed schedules, and a shortage of in-person interaction—this is everyday life in a megacity, where feelings of isolation have become the norm. In this context, mukbang became a kind of virtual support: the opportunity to share a meal with someone—even through a screen—helps alleviate loneliness. After all, the hosts don’t just eat; they interact with viewers, talk about life, and share emotions during livestreams. For many Koreans, it’s not merely entertainment but an essential emotional outlet.
One of the most famous early mukbangers was Jung Man-soo, known by his nickname Banzz. His YouTube channel quickly gained millions of views, thanks to his enormous portions and heartfelt conversations. By 2017, he was drawing 2–3 million viewers per video. Later, the blogger became involved in a scandal and disappeared from the public eye, but eventually returned, albeit without regaining his previous popularity.
Of course, Banzz was far from the only one of his kind. Soon after the trend emerged, mukbang began attracting more followers and captivating audiences around the world.
How Mukbang Spread Beyond Korea
By the mid-2010s, videos featuring the consumption of enormous portions of food combined with casual conversation began going viral across all major video platforms—YouTube, TikTok, Twitch. The format evolved to meet the demands of a more discerning audience: shows became more visually striking and sometimes theatrical, ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) elements emphasizing eating sounds were added, and challenges emerged—for example, attempting the spiciest dishes, consuming 10,000 calories in a single session, or eating only sweets.
Today, videos in this format can be found in other Asian countries—Japan, China, India—as well as across Europe and North America. Each country adds its own twist to the trend. In India, streams often feature curry and traditional sweets; in Turkey, enormous cauldrons of pilaf and kebabs; and in the United States, naturally, globally recognized fast food—Chipotle, Crumble Cookies, and Taco Bell.
Public interest also grew because of the names under which mukbang spread in the West. Media and bloggers dubbed it “food porn,” which inevitably triggered controversy. Another term, “gastronomic voyeurism,” clearly hints at a sexual undertone. Voyeurism is defined as a “psychological disorder in which a person observes the sexual behavior of others without their knowledge.”
In the United States, one of the genre’s “pioneers” was blogger Trisha Paytas, who dubbed herself the “queen of mukbang.” Her peak popularity was between 2014 and 2017.
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Last year, Trisha gave an interview as part of an investigation by The Sun dedicated to mukbang. It turned out that she was fully aware of the health risks but couldn’t stop—her streams earned her an astounding $300,000 per month: “It was the easiest job in the world, but also the most harmful to my health.”
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After increasing her daily streams to three, Trisha began experiencing frequent health problems—not only physical but also mental. She fell into depression and decided to end her “career.” Since then, she rarely appears online, and never with similar content. She shared: “I thought the food would kill me. Now, when I see mukbangers bingeing, it scares me.”
Bethany Gaskin, an American YouTuber, has been praised in national newspapers and featured in news segments about her viral mukbang videos. While growing up, her family struggled to put food on the table, but now, she is eating large amounts of food online as a challenge.
Another prominent mukbanger in the US is Nikocado Avocado, also known as Nicholas Perry, who recently made headlines with a body transformation. He would post mukbang videos and then randomly pop up one day in a video, having lost 250 pounds. It was a shock to the internet and his followers, but he is still posting videos, although much less frequently.
Despite the differences in mukbangers’ plates, one thing remains constant: the primary goal is to create the illusion of company and give viewers a sense of belonging and comfort.
When Mukbang Reached Children
It’s one thing when an adult chooses a mukbang career for personal reasons—curiosity, financial gain, or enjoyment of the process. It’s another when adults, including parents, involve children in on-camera meals, or, even more concerning, launch entire channels featuring their child as a mukbanger.
We examined YouTube archives and found several such examples. Even more alarming, videos of children eating unhealthy food on camera at lavishly set tables, while less popular than content from adult creators, are easily found.
For instance, the family channel Mukbang With Maloezhki features the main host, a Korean mother, often including not just her husband but also her two sons in videos. Judging by the publication history, the children participate less and less in recent times.
another example is a channel featuring a boy named Ashton. New videos haven’t appeared for three years, but the available ones are concerning: the child is presented with large portions of unhealthy food, which he often consumes alongside friends or siblings.
These examples show that parents do not always fully understand the risks and consequences of involving a child in public “food consumption.” For children and teenagers, participating in such shows is not merely entertainment—it is a significant emotional and physical challenge that can affect their relationship with food, self-perception, and even health.
And what about the teenagers and adults who watch this content? Is it dangerous, and why is mukbang so appealing? Let’s explore this in more detail.
Creepy or Cool: Why Some People Enjoy Mukbang While Others Feel Disgusted
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The online community is divided into two camps: some people enjoy mukbangs and find comfort in the sense of togetherness they provide, while others are almost repulsed by the sounds of chewing and smacking.
Why do some people enjoy it, and why does it provoke irritation or disgust in others?
Why People Watch
- Because food is appealing—and calming. The simplest explanation lies in our biology. Psychologists explain that our interest in food is linked to a survival mechanism: When we eat, the brain receives a signal that everything is okay, and we can relax. Watching mukbangs produces a similar effect—they have a calming influence.
- Because no one wants to eat alone. There are countless reasons why someone might not have a companion for dinner. But the fact remains that having a video of another person eating and interacting, even in the background, makes the evening feel warmer. It also alleviates feelings of loneliness—something confirmed by professors at a South Korean university.
- Because it’s a way to experience emotions. Research shows that mukbang videos can help people cope with internal tension through the spectacle of excessive food consumption. It’s a kind of catharsis: you don’t eat yourself, but watching the frenzy on screen allows you to release internal stress.
- Because it’s captivating. Like other modern content creators, mukbangers aim to grow their audience and reach. To do this, they use various techniques, such as deliberately incorporating ASMR elements (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). Chewing, crunching, even the sound of a soda can opening—all act as triggers for our brains. ASMR sounds activate areas responsible for relaxation and pleasure. For some viewers, these triggers create chills and a sense of satisfaction, which can even lead to addiction: we simply can’t resist the next “dose” of pleasure.
- Because it substitutes for eating. Studies published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction confirm that mukbang often serves as a way to virtually satisfy hunger. Viewers experience “vicarious satisfaction,” as if they were eating themselves, but without the extra calories. Watching such videos can seem like a good solution for those who, for any reason, cannot or do not want to eat in reality.
Young people and teenagers are particularly drawn to this content. Why? During periods of hormonal changes and self-discovery, when loneliness and misunderstanding are frequent companions, mukbang videos help viewers feel less alone. Food-streams create a virtual community, a sense of support and belonging. Bright visuals and loud sounds add emotional intensity to the viewing experience—it’s both entertainment and relaxation, a way to disconnect from anxiety.
Why It Causes Repulsion
- Unpleasant sounds. Many people cannot tolerate chewing, smacking, or swallowing sounds that often accompany mukbang videos. These activate a natural rejection reflex in response to unpleasant sensory stimuli. This particular human sensitivity even has a name—misophonia.
- ASM—but in a negative way. While some enjoy ASMR sounds, for others, they act as triggers for anxiety and stress rather than pleasure.
- Social pressure. In cultures that emphasize slimness and appearance, uncontrolled eating is often seen as immoral or shocking. This can lead to ridicule directed at both creators and viewers of such content.
- Promotion of disordered eating. For many, mukbang appears to normalize, or even romanticize, unhealthy eating habits. This elicits moral disapproval—especially among those who have experienced eating disorders, for whom food is a sensitive topic for cultural or ethical reasons, and, of course, for parents.
Doctors and parents are right to be concerned about the impact of mukbang videos on young people and teenagers. Research confirms that such content can encourage overeating, particularly among those already struggling with eating issues; increase the craving for unhealthy, high-calorie foods often consumed by mukbangers; and decrease interest in real-life social interaction.
The harm mukbang causes to its creators themselves has even sparked discussions about banning such videos at a governmental level.
Why Authorities Are Considering Banning Mukbang
In Turkey, 24-year-old mukbanger Efecan Kültür died from complications related to obesity; weighing over 1.5 tons, he was bedridden. In the Philippines, a food blogger known as Dongz Apatan died of a stroke, reportedly triggered by overeating fried chicken with rice.
In China, Pan Xiaoting died from a stomach rupture during a 10-hour livestream, during which she consumed over 10 kilograms of food. Later, the media reported a scandal involving a child: the parents of a three-year-old girl, nicknamed Pei Zi, deliberately overfed her to create mukbang content.
These tragedies, along with rising childhood obesity and an increase in eating disorders, have prompted discussions about banning mukbang at the legislative level.
In South Korea, the Ministry of Food Safety issued a warning about the dangers of frying and eating toothpicks—yes, you read that correctly. This is one of the popular youth mukbang trends in Asia, because fried toothpicks supposedly resemble French fries…
Chinese authorities have been mass-deleting thousands of mukbang accounts and videos from popular domestic platforms and are passing legislation to ban the online display of binge eating.
In the United States, there seems to be no action to restrict mukbang videos from being published online. While streaming and social media platforms have community and content guidelines, eating on camera or during a live-stream is seen as harmless to viewers. For this reason, parents need to understand the implications on their children of watching people overeat, which has been linked to disordered eating.
What Should Parents Do?
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When a teenager becomes fascinated with mukbangs, adult reactions often oscillate between anxiety and incomprehension. This is understandable—news about food bloggers and the very nature of this content can be genuinely worrying.
In such situations, the key is not to immediately blame or ban, but to try to understand the underlying reasons for this interest. Open and friendly conversation is far more effective than outright prohibitions. Additionally, creating a home environment where the child feels safe and comfortable is essential.
Don’t panic if you catch your child watching mukbang videos! The internet is full of content that is inappropriate for children—and sometimes harmful even to adults. Missing a video or two does not make you a bad parent. You can’t control everything, but you can show interest in your child’s hobbies and have conversations that carefully address potential dangers. Below are the steps you can take right now.
Try to Understand
Bans can backfire—a teen may shut down or rebel, doing the opposite of what you intend. Instead of ultimatums, ask your child why they enjoy watching mukbangs and what emotions it evokes. Perhaps the fascination masks boredom, stress, or loneliness. Your task is to listen without judgment and show that you are there to help.
Explain That Mukbang Is Entertainment, Not Reality
Trashy content often relies on editing, scripting, and special effects. Explain this to your child: Many scenes in mukbang videos are part of a performance. Bloggers don’t always eat what is shown. Sometimes, they take a bite and don’t swallow it, creating cuts in the video. This staging is not a model to follow. It’s important your teen understands that behind the flashy visuals is deliberate showmanship, not a real-life example.
Discuss the Risks and Healthy Eating
Explore how different foods affect the body together. Talk about the dangers of overeating and share real-life cases without resorting to horror stories or scare tactics. Ask questions like, “What do you think happens to the body when you eat so much?” This encourages your teen to reach their own conclusions rather than seeing information as a strict prohibition.
Pay Attention to Nutrition at Home
Regular breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with varied, nutritious foods help your child feel full and satisfied. A fascination with mukbangs can indicate that a teen isn’t getting adequate nutrition during the day, and that they are seeking emotional and physical comfort through virtual company.
Create a Positive Mealtime Atmosphere
If a teen is drawn to mukbangs, they may lack live social interaction. Healthy eating is not just about food—it’s also about how your child eats. Make family dinners a place to return to: calm, warm, and cozy. Agree to set aside gadgets, turn off TVs, and music during meals. Studies show that eating amid visual noise, such as watching videos, reduces digestion quality and hinders mindful eating.
Adjust Screen Time
If you worry that your child watches harmful or inappropriate content excessively, try managing screen time. Discuss how much time they spend on devices, help them establish a healthy routine, and find balance. Emphasize the importance of variety—live interaction and offline activities are crucial. Suggest alternative ways to spend time without gadgets—fun, engaging, and beneficial for health.
Parental control apps like Kids360 and timers can help regulate screen time, but only use them after talking with your child. Never install such tools secretly—this can severely undermine trust. Everything should be discussed openly.
Remember: children learn best by example. Reflect on your own eating habits. How you relate to food and pay attention to your own routines and feelings is very important for a teenager. Food is not just calories—it’s a culture of self-care and care for others.
Ultimately, the goal of parents is not to fight a teen’s interest, but to help them understand themselves and their needs, maintaining trust and warmth in the relationship.
Mukbang—a Mirror of Our Time
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Today, mukbang is more than an internet trend; it reflects the life of our society. It represents a desire for connection where real-life interaction has become rare, and a search for simple pleasures that provide a break from stressful news and constant anxiety.
For parents, this is a signal not to judge, but to carefully observe their children’s interests. Behind hours of watching someone else eat, there are often deep emotions—loneliness, the need for acceptance, and a desire to hear a real voice. Thoughtful, mindful parental presence can help a teen find balance between online hobbies and real life.
FAQs
What does mukbang literally mean?
Mukbang comes from a combination of two Korean words, “eating” and “broadcast,” so mukbang literally means eating broadcast. It’s pronounced the same in English as it is in Korean.
Why is mukbang so popular?
There are a few reasons why mukbang content is so popular. It can contribute to ASMR, loneliness, or sexual interest. What’s important to know is why your children show interest and engagement with this typeof content.
Is mukbang healthy?
What mukbang has turned into, where people eat large amounts of food in one sitting, is not a healthy way to live or make a living online. Not only can it lead to obesity and depression, but it can also promote food waste for teens who want to try it themselves.
What is the difference between mukbang and ASMR?
While mukbangs can have some ASMR aspects, such as opening a can of soda or chewing, it is not necessarily ASMR content. It could trigger that “tingling” sensation for viewers, but mukbangs are more about the conversation and less about the noises.
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