Alexandria Belton

UWRT 1101-008
October 2014

Social Medias Effect on the Image of Women

Introduction/ Background
Imagine a young girl perhaps the age of thirteen, who still has her innocence and a
mind that acts as a blank slate waiting to be filled with new memories, thoughts, and
miscellaneous information. She spends her days in school just as any other kid, and then
returns home at the end of the day to an empty house. The girl has free will to do
whatever she pleases including communicating with her peers via texting and social
media sites. The social media viewed by the young girl contains images of skinny women
with the perfect size and shape, women classified in a derogatory manner, and sexual
preferences/labels placed on women. This depicts and idealizes women as sexual objects,
creates a favored image of attractiveness, and body image that are
unobtainable/unreasonable standards that are required in order to be classified as
beautiful.

As a woman I often fall victim to negative stigmas, vain perceptions, and the want
to be desired by society and classified as attractive. This promotes a narcissistic selfinfatuation to constantly groom, exhibit a certain mannerism, and sculpt/ manipulate my
body so that it fits societys standard of beauty. It is not rare to look in the mirror and

point at every flaw noticeable, attempt new diets, or dress to impress so that I can
achieve that desired perception and approval from others, based on what is idealized in
social media as beautiful. I am familiar with the negative affects of watching a womans
beauty depicted through the usage of social media. I am quite aware that certain T.V
shows such as the show Gossip Girl illustrates the image of a wealthy, slim, tall,
dressed in designer clothes girl as being wanted by men and attractive. I am also aware
that this image infiltrates the psyche of a woman, or of a young girl, creating this
obsession and fixation, desperate for marked approval and desperate to be deemed as
beautiful.

Before further discussing the topic, Id like to address what my paper will further
include. I will explore the negative influences of social media. More specifically I will
explain and support how social media affects conflicting images of women, and beauty
that are unreasonable yet desirable. I will incorporate valid research and a case study
description of the show Gossip Girl in order to support my view as well as the view of
the opposing side to act as a possible refute that: self esteem, and the image of beauty is
not altered by social media, however it is altered by self perception and self confidence
that stems from within. In Gossip Girl the manipulative usage of a burn website, and
peer communication through social media is a driving force that builds the plot of the
show. Though this can be seen by viewers as entertaining it too depicts societys
perpetuating flaw: Social media is used as a source of entertainment however it bashes
victims, harshly attacks the self esteem of many women, and supports hurtful gossip that
destroys/ burdens the lives of many. Potential biases within the paper are that I am a

women that is affected by social media, I could potentially fill targeted (thinking that I do
not meet societies means of what is considered pretty) in result contributes to my stance
that social media misconstrues the image of women.
Review of Relevant Literature
Social media sites such as Facebook, often idealize women, and create an image
distance in young adolescent girls (Meir, James 2014). Facebook to promotes selffixations, and consumption that is often referred to as Narcissism that is evident among
participators of social media networking. Face book is a popular social media
networking site that many young girls have access to. The unfiltered, easy to access, bias
images and information that create ideal images and stigmas of women become norms for
the young girls that continuously interact with social media. (Mehdizadeh, 2013) Online
activity as well as behavior linked to those who indulge in social media has tremendous
effect on their psychological thinking and behavior (James, 2013) (Grey, 2013) The
constant images of ideal women create a fixated image that tarnishes the natural
indescribable image of beauty, however now beauty is not described as inner character
and outer appearance, it focalizes on body image, skin tone, clothing, and facial beauty.
These sources as well as a case study observation of the show Gossip Girl tie in with
the concept that social media indeed has a negative effect on women, and their obsession
with image, and vein perception, in which promotes narcissistic tendencies.
(Barlett, 2008) Expresses that Not only does media affect women it also effects
men. This can be used for a counter argument that women are not the only ones
personally impacted. Women and men struggle with self-esteem when in contact with
idealized images of other men and women. (Heinberg, 1995) show that women not only

gain body dissatisfaction from media influence of a woman image, but they exhibit
emotions of anger versus dissatisfaction, which does not directly respond to my
argument.
An interesting argument is that social media not only depicts physical images of
women, it too produces sexual implications, and sexual role preferences amongst women.
These sources do not directly correlate with my stance, and belief, however they are
useful in seeing ways that are possible results from the influence of social media on
women.

Entering the Conversation

How might one become beautiful? Is it the equivalent as luckily winning the
genetic lottery, or is the art of being able to conform your body by manipulating yourself
or altering your face so that it meets the criteria of beauty. Appearance and body image
have influential affects on the mind of women, and young girls. From the beginning of
adolescent years females are introduced to the aspect of social media, from their
adolescent years and into adult hood they are consciously and subconsciously victims of
social media abuse. Its seems so easy and so effortless to hurl hurtful phrases and words
that are derogative, or post pictures that praise sexual behavior, and taunt individuals that
are different; whether its hurtful slander, public appraisal or public abashment of women,
social media has lingering negative effects (excluding individuals that are not sufferers
from the saddening outcome of social media abuse).

In the observation of the show Gossip Girl, I view social media playing a factor in
the characters every day lives. Some characters are seen partaking in scandalous
behavior. Suddenly everyone abruptly stops when a notification is received by everyone
present at the formal gathering; everyone turns their attention to the notification only to
laugh, gossip and gaze in amazement at the news that an old peer is returning to the
scandalous, life of Manhattans upper East Side. The quotation shows that interacting
with social media is the norm, it is apart of their everyday routine that consumes the lives
of the characters. Often in the show the characters are depicted through anonymous
gossip tips that are posted and shared. The posts contain an array of harmful images, and
text that apply to various members within the figured society. It is not unlikely or
uncommon for the females exposed or taunted to act in a domino affect of posting
something just as hurtful or obscene. In result of this belittlement characters strive to be
at the top of the popularity scale. They dress and act in a particular manner in order to
receive confirmation and appraisal. Though on the outside the characters seemed selfassured, on the inside the women were shallow, insecure, verbally battered and damaged
because of the gossip site Gossip Girl.

To be attractive should not be characterized by the partakers of social media

gossip. Social media sites validate and solidify that the harmful effects of social media
are okay. Women play into bias views of beauty and become wrapped up in what is
idealized by the media. These thoughts consume them and further weaken their esteem.
This has psychological effects that cling to their thoughts as long as they feel inadequate
and continuously showed through contrasting images of their appearance that they are

indeed inadequate. Popular sources may agree with these statements, proclaiming that
social media is truly a negative aspect in regards to weakening women, over the years it
has became and harsh reality and continues to perpetuate.

Some may argue that self esteem, and self-image stems from within; the negative
stigmas and perceptions that associated with self-image and self-esteem does not come
from an outside source. It may be seen that each individual woman is their biggest
critique that they must learn to sway away from harsh criticism and accept who they are
and what they are. Perhaps self-esteem can only be altered from within, and if one
becomes confident and self-assured this stems from self-actualization and selfimprovement. How can social media possibly posses the ability to change how someone
feels and or thinks of themselves. How can one be so easily influenced and taken aback
by harmless words, and images that do not directly apply to them? These are all
arguments that can be associated with a possible rebuttal for my argument though they
are potentially valid they do not holistically and realistically support how women in
society think and feel.

The indifferent perspective is that self-image and self-perception is not stemmed

from social media alone. Social media, paired with self-doubt, are at fault for causing
women to behave and think in a manner that shows feelings of incompetence and
nonexistent self approval. Haphazardly this is a view that shows no intentional bias, and
can be mistaken as true, however this casts the blame onto social media, and onto the
individuals woman; the blame however should be independently focused on the media.

Social media and its users are at fault, the women are the victims. It shall be no
misconception for social medias role in making women feel insecure, unworthy, and
badgering women for their flaws rather than embracing their individual beauty.

Conclusion
Women have been persistently impacted by the negative images and words
displayed in social media. The image of beauty has been misconstrued leaving women
with an unobtainable, unrealistic image of desired beauty. The images that are showcased
have created visual biases, that leave women feeling ostracized and undesirable in
comparison to their seemingly perfect images of women noted in social media that are
thin, young, fair skin, have lushes hair, and stunning features.
The demanding images leave women with low-self esteem, nearly non-existent self
worth, and diminished positive self-perception. This is tremendously affecting the mind
of adolescent teen girls and women of all ages. The effects are subconscious, the victims
of social media influence often are not aware that they are being targeted. They are blind
to the gambling game that the influencers of social media are playing. Women believe
that these images, and feelings of self doubt associated with social media are social
norms. They have been taught to conform in order to be noticed accepted, and accepted
however they are harshly judged if they sway away from traditional aspects that define
beauty.

By using a case study of the series Gossip Girl, and creating a parallel between
the show and how social media effects women in everyday life one can see a fictional and

nonfictional example that supports the negative effects of social media. The T.V series
shows a valid representation of online social media harassment, and social medias direct
effect on women. The show also contributes to a radical, more extreme case of how
social media effects women, however this approach is eye opening, perhaps unrealistic,
yet it is very useful to exploring the spiteful results of social media abuse on women of
all ages (Particularly younger women). This case study is essential in order to further
understanding the problem, it highlights the overlooked flaw in society that social media
is continuously having a disturbingly negative effect on women The deeper-rooted
problem, is that individuals that attempt to create high standards for beauty are often
victims of self-doubt, and low self-esteem. They idolize these fictitiously perfect women
too, for they possess all the traits that the individual lacks.
Social media is extremely popular, and is used by many people on day-to-day
bases. The images, and words displayed are conveniently open for many to access.
Ultimately if you look that bigger picture, millions of young females are being feed
incessantly bias information that latches on to their mind that begins to fixate this idea
of a woman, and the idea of beautiful. From here these images and words are deemed
as okay, by popular vote many allow these images and words to consume them, to drive
them to begin to question their self worth and their self-appearance. This is very
dangerous, women should not be forced to conform in order to be considered beautiful
nor should social media be allowed to contain such rhetoric that is harmful to the image
of women. Why should women be forced to feel subconsciously inadequate based off
images displayed in media? What are the long lasting effects of social media images of
women, and what message are we sending to women as societal members if we continue

to ignore this greater issue. It is evident that this is an issue that needs to be resolved,
advocacy of social medias negative influence on women shall be brought forth. Many
women are affected by this societal flaw, and those that attempt to escape the victim role
are not receiving the justice and relief they so desperately need.

References
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Leslie J. Heinberg and J. Kevin Thompson, Journal of Social and Clinical

Psychology 1995 14, 4, 325-338

Schooler, D., Monique Ward, L., Merriwether, A. and Caruthers, A. (2004),

Who's That Girl: Television's Role In The Body Image Development Of Young
White And Black Women. Psychology of Women Quarterly
Botta, R. (1999), Television images and adolescent girls' body image disturbance.
Journal of Communication
Belton A. (2014) Gossip Girl Observation
(My personal observation of the show gossip girl also accounts as a valuable
source. The observation includes specific examples from the show that can be
used in order to support my topic. Gossip girl is used as a case study comparison
of social medias first hand effect )
Christopher P. Barlett, Christopher L. Vowels, and Donald A. Saucier
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 2008 27, 3, 279-310
Becerra Enrique; STUTTS, Mary Ann. Ugly Duckling by Day, Super Model by
Night: The Influence of Body Image on the Use of Virtual Worlds

Bessenoff, G. R. (2006), CAN THE MEDIA AFFECT US? SOCIAL

COMPARISON, SELF-DISCREPANCY, AND THE THIN IDEAL. Psychology
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