Negative Body- Body Image Effects
Researchers have long said that because central importance is assigned to media, mass media can foster unrealistic images of female beauty (Perloff, 2014). Internalization of these images are commonly leads to body dysmorphia and dissatisfaction. Internalization of thin-idealized female beauty is a key factor in a culturally stereotyped standard of beauty. This standard is vastly communicated in contemporary media throughout Westernized societies. More than 80% of 18–29-year-old in the U.S. are wireless Internet users, and 72 % of the online 18–29-year-old cohort uses social networking sites (Perloff, 2014). The Pew Research Center found that in the U.S., 18–29-year-olds who use the Internet are the most likely …show more content…
So, processes like social, upwards, and downwards comparisons mediate the lasting effects (Perloff, 2014). These women gravitate to sites like Pinterest and Instagram, because of appearance- focused content and too seek instant gratification, reassurance of self-worth (or lack thereof), and validation (Perloff, 2014). This person may constantly check or change their profile picture on their various social media accounts, or they my frequently visit they profile of someone who they find attractive or who embodies their ideal features (Perloff, 2014). These people may also spend countless hours comparing their picture to people that they find less attractive to boost their confidence. Engaging in these processes typically causes a person to ruminate on things about their body that they’re unconformable. These unconformable feelings further deepen their disdain for their body, worsening their self-image and self-esteem (Pastorino & Doyle-Portillo, 2016). These thoughts and feelings are the beginnings of a negative feedback loop, that encourages the person to engage in social media again to elevate the anxiety, negative feelings, and negative thoughts. Which restarts the process again (Perloff, …show more content…
Andsager, suggests that, because children in the US and now around the globe are exposed to so many different images and different stimuli that there is a possibility that we have developed the ability to critically evaluate media messages (Andsager, 2014). Social media exposed it audience to a wide-variety of people, which means that there is large variety in the types of body images that are present online (Andsager, 2014). One may find it easier than ever to find images of people that look like them to compare themselves too. The more we see relatable images the more likely we are to be desensitized to the effects of social media’s distorted images of beauty (Andsager, 2014). Williams suggest that just as there are vulnerability factors, there are also factor that could protect people from the cryptic messages within social media (Williams & Ricciardelli, 2014). Factors that have been identified include: being self-directed and assertive, being a member of a family that has low focus on weight and attractiveness, social acceptance of a diverse range of body shapes and sizes, and close relationships with friends or romantic partners who aren’t concerned with weight (Williams & Ricciardelli, 2014). More research is needed on these
Researchers have long said that because central importance is assigned to media, mass media can foster unrealistic images of female beauty (Perloff, 2014). Internalization of these images are commonly leads to body dysmorphia and dissatisfaction. Internalization of thin-idealized female beauty is a key factor in a culturally stereotyped standard of beauty. This standard is vastly communicated in contemporary media throughout Westernized societies. More than 80% of 18–29-year-old in the U.S. are wireless Internet users, and 72 % of the online 18–29-year-old cohort uses social networking sites (Perloff, 2014). The Pew Research Center found that in the U.S., 18–29-year-olds who use the Internet are the most likely …show more content…
So, processes like social, upwards, and downwards comparisons mediate the lasting effects (Perloff, 2014). These women gravitate to sites like Pinterest and Instagram, because of appearance- focused content and too seek instant gratification, reassurance of self-worth (or lack thereof), and validation (Perloff, 2014). This person may constantly check or change their profile picture on their various social media accounts, or they my frequently visit they profile of someone who they find attractive or who embodies their ideal features (Perloff, 2014). These people may also spend countless hours comparing their picture to people that they find less attractive to boost their confidence. Engaging in these processes typically causes a person to ruminate on things about their body that they’re unconformable. These unconformable feelings further deepen their disdain for their body, worsening their self-image and self-esteem (Pastorino & Doyle-Portillo, 2016). These thoughts and feelings are the beginnings of a negative feedback loop, that encourages the person to engage in social media again to elevate the anxiety, negative feelings, and negative thoughts. Which restarts the process again (Perloff, …show more content…
Andsager, suggests that, because children in the US and now around the globe are exposed to so many different images and different stimuli that there is a possibility that we have developed the ability to critically evaluate media messages (Andsager, 2014). Social media exposed it audience to a wide-variety of people, which means that there is large variety in the types of body images that are present online (Andsager, 2014). One may find it easier than ever to find images of people that look like them to compare themselves too. The more we see relatable images the more likely we are to be desensitized to the effects of social media’s distorted images of beauty (Andsager, 2014). Williams suggest that just as there are vulnerability factors, there are also factor that could protect people from the cryptic messages within social media (Williams & Ricciardelli, 2014). Factors that have been identified include: being self-directed and assertive, being a member of a family that has low focus on weight and attractiveness, social acceptance of a diverse range of body shapes and sizes, and close relationships with friends or romantic partners who aren’t concerned with weight (Williams & Ricciardelli, 2014). More research is needed on these