Why we feel compelled to share food photos on social media

Have you ever wondered why there are so many food pictures on social media?

There may be a more primal drive behind it than you think.

Psychologist Jocelyn Brewer told 3AW Breakfast the phenomenon makes sense when you look at it from an evolutionary perspective.

“We used to share resources, and the main resource we needed to share was food,” Dr Brewer said.

“It’s not an accident that one of the big cliches of what we share on Instagram is our food.”

Dr Brewer said we’re at risk of overloading ourselves with online information.

“From the moment we wake up, we’re scrolling through, catching up on what people ate for Christmas lunch,” she said.

“What’s really missing from our communication is eye contact.”

Click PLAY for the full interview