Exploring the Potential Causes of Picky Eating and Relationship Between Experiences and Behaviors for Mental Model of Contemporary Young Adult

Abstract

Human being has food they do not like. It may be caused by personal experience or genetics. The unlike food that is singled out can cause food waste. Recently a number of countries have issued policies and regulations to curb food waste. The economic issue and environmental impact caused by wasted food are incalculable. Picky eating itself may put the individuals into embarrassing situations in social situations as well, which mostly be exposed from experiences and behaviors of young adults. Young adults are an essential product and consuming force in society, who play a decisive role in the development of society. But picky eating can cause unnecessary awkwardness in serious social situations, affecting an individual's mood and even overall decision-making. Understanding the potential causes of picky eating and the relationship between experiences and behaviors for the mental model of contemporary young adults is essential. Most of the current research on picky eating are focusing on children. There is a lack of research on the relationship between the causes of picky eating and mental models that determine behavior that is related to experience. The problem cannot be solved without exploring the relationship between picky eating and mental models. Therefore, this paper explores the relationship between the potential causes and mental models of young adult’s picky eating. This paper conducts a questionnaire and followed by PEESTL analysis for developing a picky eating behavior model of young adults. The results show that there are two key aspects, namely technology and social interaction, might help people with overcoming picky eating. Since, Young people are curious, eager, and yearning for technology, as such they may tend to try new technology enhanced products, which the technology may has impact on the picky eating behavior of young adult. Further, young adults on different social occasions react differently to picky food. In real world situations, such as important social events and parties, young adults may eat foods they dislike for social needs. In virtual world, such as internet, young adults may hide their picky eating behavior to present a relatively perfect image to others.