Idealistic Body Image

We are living and growing up in an era that is media-saturated. Societal standards of attractiveness are presented in nearly all forms of the mass media: television, magazines, billboards, just to name a few. These presentations constantly bombard individuals with a body image that is not a reflection of reality. The typical ideal is for a man to be muscular and promiscuous. The typical ideal for a woman is to be either curvaceous with a slim waist or relatively thin. Although models are utilized to exert this image, only a tiny percent of individuals can ever realistically entertain the hope of achieving the bodies shown in most advertisements (Dittmar). Even though the mass media exposes us to such advertisements, the models used are commonly …show more content…
Those with anorexia nervosa engage in media use and describe their consumption of fashion magazines as an “addiction,” with many saying that their greatest media dependency occurred after their eating disorders had begun to take control of their lives (Spettigue). The exposure of idealistic body images advertised to these women only promote additional unhealthy behaviors. Beauty magazines promote step-by-step instructions that grant individuals a false hope of attaining an ideal body image. Television, magazines, among other forms of mass media are the only way society is able to stay informed, whether it be news or simple entertainment. The mass media is the commander of how societal standards and trends are set. The mass media industry should recognize this and use these advantages to promote advertisements that include step-by-step instructions that will help sufferers of eating disorders improve unhealthy behaviors and learn more positive life skills. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder (Crow). Only 1 in 10 of individuals with such illnesses receive any type of treatment (ANAD). If those who are already suffering from eating disorders are the heaviest users of media, the best compromise for the mass media industry to make would be to utilize advertisements that influence health intervention. There would still be a profit made. But there would be much fewer …show more content…
Evolutionary psychological explanations suggest that physical attractiveness cues health and fertility, and therefore enhances mating success in humans (Stephen). But when the mass media industry advertises an ideal body image, individuals internalize false beliefs and judgements. They start to believe that their mate should only look like that of models on advertisements. If they cannot find a partner with such characteristics, they usually develop loneliness. This is why it is crucial that the mass media industry be mindful about the advertisements they promote. Loneliness is a negative emotion indicated by an individual feeling empty, alone, and unwanted. Research has shown that loneliness correlates with eating disorders and the development of depression; they all are a cause and consequence of each other (Levine). The correlation between loneliness and eating disorders creates a demand for change. This issue needs to be improved. The affect and importance of healthy relationships needs to be greatly emphasized. Research shows that healthy relationships result in a longer life expectancy, better resilience to stress, and healthier bodies (Kreitzer). Since loneliness has been associated with increased media use, the mass media should work to help individuals with eating disorders improve social connections within their lives (Morahan). It is