Zili Huang

Ms. Zili Huang


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 August 2026 in Dietetics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JSJill Silverman
Jill Silverman
ZHZili Huang
Zili Huang
AHAmanda A Harb
Amanda A Harb
JTJack Thomas
Jack Thomas
Excessive screen usage and exposure to emotionally charged content are public health concerns because they correlate with emotional eating and weight gain. This study investigated the relationship between emotionally charged screen content, emotional shifts, and subsequent food selection. Seventy-two students were randomized to watch happy, sad, or anxiety-eliciting videos. The Discrete Emotions Questionnaire and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests measured changes in emotion. Following the post-questionnaire, students were invited to select from pre-packaged food items. Correlation analysis examined relationships between emotional change and standardized food selection. Use of TikTok and video streaming platforms was associated with higher odds of overweight (p < 0.05). “Happy” screen content correlated with increases in happiness, satisfaction, liking (p < 0.01), enjoyment, calm, and relaxation (p < 0.05), and a reduction in sadness (p < 0.05) among students. “Sad” screen content was associated with increases in sadness (p < 0.001), grief, dread, and worry (p < 0.05). Positive emotions, such as easygoing, were negatively correlated with savory food selection (r = −0.95, p < 0.05). Loneliness positively correlated with sweet food selections (r = 0.99, p < 0.05). Emotive screen content is associated with emotional shifts that potentially influence food selection. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address emotional eating among college students.