Positive Body Message

Sara Shenbaum
HEP 380
Arizona State University
 Media Influences
on Body Image
Exposing the negative effects that media has on individuals’ body image
Body Ideals

Men and women have their own sets of body ideals that are often placed upon them by
media. For women, the “ideal” body is “young, tall, thin, and White, with at least
moderately large breasts”, (Cash, 2012, p. 95). For men, the idealized body is usually
big both in terms of height and muscle. One problem is, the final product is often
altered in a way that no longer resembles reality.
 Examples
"Television is more influential for children, whereas for
adolescents and young adults it is magazines" (Cash,
2012, pg. 96).
Internalization
Internalization in this context is gaining the body ideals that media places upon society.
A study was conducted, specifically on social media, in an attempt to explain why this
may be. According to their findings, “The photographs and messages on social media
are often perceived as realistic because they are traditionally being disseminated from
within a network of one’s peers rather than from groups or individuals outside the
network” (Mingoia et al., 2017). The same could also apply when one is consuming
media in which the main person is relatable to them.
Why is this important?

The effects of media on body image are affecting so many people, specifically younger
individuals. In fact, "Nearly 70% of adolescent girls report that magazine images influence
their conception of the ‘perfect body shape’, and…such images generate body
dissatisfaction and motivation to lose weight” (Cash, 2012, pg. 96). This is dangerous
because having the goal of a body that is unrealistic may lead to disordered eating in an
attempt to achieve it.

Another dangerous media source that may lead to an eating disorder is websites that
directly promote this behavior. Pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites are encouraging
young and vulnerable people to harm themselves both physically and mentally.
 Media Literacy
Media literacy is the ability to think logically and
insightfully. This is extremely important, especially for
young people, to understand and practice. Media
Literacy Now is an organization that advocates for
better education on the topic. Media Literacy Now
states that “Today’s messages come in many forms
and literacy can no longer refer simply to the ability
to read and write.” There is so much more
information available, especially for adolescents.
This technology and accessibility are not going
anywhere, so the way in which they are taught to
approach such information needs to change.
 References
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https://nextluxury.com/funny/instagram-vs-reality/
Cash, T. F., & Smolak, L. (2012). Chapter 12: Media Influences on Body Image. In Body image: A handbook of science, practice, and
prevention (2nd ed.). essay, The Guilford Press.
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