Not a Joke of the Day: 'Bikini Bridge' Prank May Cause Some Real Damage

What started as a series of photos meant as a joke has become a trending expectation that may further the negative body images of young women with eating disorders.

The term 'bikini bridge' refers to the space between a woman's bikini bottoms and her stomach while lying on her back. A group of anonymous users of 4chan started circulating a series of the images as a prank. The images included comments like "I love it when...guys notice my bikini bridge" and " if your girlfriend doesn't have a bikini bridge why are you with her?"

But what started as a joke has triggered deep concern regarding the impact of these images on young women with negative body image issues. Experts say that those with eating disorders see this as a challenge and what is a joke to some may be taken very seriously as an aspirational goal to others.