The COVID crisis has pushed publications and organizations to turn to computer tools to bridge the challenges of office visits, seminars, meetings, and many services. This issue includes several examples, such as Dr. Sabine Wilhelm’s exploration of helpful computer apps in the lead article and items from a virtual issue published online by the International Journal of Eating Disorders. As helpful as the online articles and virtual seminars may be, sadly there can be a downside, too. Some online articles offer content that may focus on potentially harmful topics, such as “How to look your best on a webcam,” or at-home workout challenges, which inadvertently reinforce eating disorder cognitions and behaviors. Such sites can leap right into the homes of patients sequestered due to the coronavirus. As more than one eating disorder professional has noted, isolation only increases the risk for some ED patients.
– MKS
