Stop MyFitnessPal from Restricting or Deleting User Accounts Due to Eating Disorders
Stop MyFitnessPal from Restricting or Deleting User Accounts Due to Eating Disorders
The Issue
We are users who support equality for individuals using the MyFitnessPal app in accordance with their own needs and discretion.
Demands:
- Stop restricting and/or deleting user accounts for consistently entering low calorie diaries. There are a multitude of reasons for low calorie diary entries (including cachexia, dementia, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and/or personal implementation of a VLCD—very low calorie diet).
- Honor the “private” and “locked with a key” setting on user diaries. Accounts which have been restricted due to the problematic and discriminatory treasons stated above are often accessed from PRIVATE and LOCKED user diaries. These entries should be out of bounds for admin scrutiny.
- Level the playing field: offer the Eating Disorder “need help?” Resources page for accounts WITHOUT flagging the accounts. Offer this resource to accounts linked to non-restrictive problematic dietary behaviors. Most importantly, generalize the warning message to include all eating disorders and mental health crises (similar to Tumblr’s “is everything ok?” Prompt).
- Create an OPEN and ACCESSIBLE appeals process for user accounts which have been restricted and/or deleted. Dispatch outreach staff to stay involved with users undergoing account restriction. Be RESPONSIVE.
These demands are in the best interest of the MyFitnessPal platform. With prior backing from Under Armour set to dissolve amid the sell-off of the MyFitnessPal platform, the actions of the MFP staff is self-destructive at best. Instead of alienating users, we demand respect of the privacy and autonomy of MFP users who are struggling in any capacity with mental or physical health concerns which may impact appetite or self-perception.
MyFitnessPal: DO THE RIGHT THING. FOCUS ON USER RETENTION AND RESPECT.
The Issue
We are users who support equality for individuals using the MyFitnessPal app in accordance with their own needs and discretion.
Demands:
- Stop restricting and/or deleting user accounts for consistently entering low calorie diaries. There are a multitude of reasons for low calorie diary entries (including cachexia, dementia, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and/or personal implementation of a VLCD—very low calorie diet).
- Honor the “private” and “locked with a key” setting on user diaries. Accounts which have been restricted due to the problematic and discriminatory treasons stated above are often accessed from PRIVATE and LOCKED user diaries. These entries should be out of bounds for admin scrutiny.
- Level the playing field: offer the Eating Disorder “need help?” Resources page for accounts WITHOUT flagging the accounts. Offer this resource to accounts linked to non-restrictive problematic dietary behaviors. Most importantly, generalize the warning message to include all eating disorders and mental health crises (similar to Tumblr’s “is everything ok?” Prompt).
- Create an OPEN and ACCESSIBLE appeals process for user accounts which have been restricted and/or deleted. Dispatch outreach staff to stay involved with users undergoing account restriction. Be RESPONSIVE.
These demands are in the best interest of the MyFitnessPal platform. With prior backing from Under Armour set to dissolve amid the sell-off of the MyFitnessPal platform, the actions of the MFP staff is self-destructive at best. Instead of alienating users, we demand respect of the privacy and autonomy of MFP users who are struggling in any capacity with mental or physical health concerns which may impact appetite or self-perception.
MyFitnessPal: DO THE RIGHT THING. FOCUS ON USER RETENTION AND RESPECT.
Petition Closed
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Petition created on November 10, 2020