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How does media influence body image


Social Media and Body Image: What's the Link?

Social media can negatively impact how young people and adults view their bodies. But there’s also encouraging content that aims to promote healthy lifestyles.

Social media can have a significant impact on body image, both positive and negative.

On one hand, social media can provide a platform for body positivity, community support, and health and fitness inspiration. But it can also contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and unhealthy comparisons.

Understanding how certain content can affect your relationship with your body may help you decide which profiles and platforms best support your well-being.

Unrealistic beauty standards

Social media platforms often feature images of people with seemingly perfect faces and bodies, often using filters and photo editing tools to enhance their appearance. This can create unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem in both women and men.

In fact, social media filters have led to a condition known as “snapchat dysphoria,” in which people become desperate to look like the filtered version of themselves. The authors of a 2018 research paper state that several plastic surgeons have shared that they’ve encountered people requesting to look like a “filtered” Snapchat picture.

Comparison and competition

Social media can create a toxic culture of comparison and competition, where individuals compare their bodies to others and strive to meet the same beauty standards.

Many people tend to post only their best photos, which may not be representative of their everyday appearance. For both men and women, this can contribute to negative body image and even lead to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Cyberbullying

Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying where people are attacked for their body size, shape, or appearance. This can have a damaging effect on body image and self-esteem.

A 2018 Pew Research Center survey found that 59% of U.S. teens have personally experienced cyberbullying. This includes offensive name calling and the spreading of false rumors, among other types of bullying.

Worsening of body-image disorders

Social media can make just about anyone feel like they don’t measure up, but it’s even more detrimental for people with eating or body-image disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). According to the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), this is a serious condition affecting about one in 50 people in the United States.

People living with BDD are typically preoccupied with at least one nonexistent or slight defect in their physical appearance, and experience repetitive and compulsive behaviors around their appearance, such as mirror checking and reassurance seeking. These symptoms can be excessively worsened by social media.

Research shows that sexual minority men experience elevated rates of psychiatric disorders for which body dissatisfaction is a central component, including eating disorder and BDD.

A survey of 2,733 sexual minority men found a pattern of associations between:

  • social media use and body dissatisfaction
  • eating disorder symptoms
  • thoughts about using anabolic steroids

Body positivity

When social media is used in a healthy way, it can be a platform for promoting body positivity, where people share images of their bodies as they are, promoting self-love and acceptance.

Body-positive content often portrays non-enhanced, non-sexualized images of people with diverse bodies. These images feature various body shapes and sizes, races, physical abilities, and gender identities.

In a 2021 study, researchers looked at whether body-positive social media can lead to improvements in body image.

The experiment involved 233 female-identifying participants who were randomly assigned to one of the following groups:

  • The body-positive group: This group viewed a number of Instagram images reflecting the body-positive movement.
  • The body-positive group with captions. This group viewed the same Instagram images, but with accompanying captions and hashtags.
  • The control group. This group viewed a series of Instagram images containing only cityscapes, without people and without captions.

Based on the findings, participants who observed body-positive social media—either with or without captions—experienced improvements in body satisfaction. These effects were slightly stronger for the images with captions, suggesting that words and phrases reinforcing these ideals may intensify the positive impact.

Health and fitness inspiration

Social media can provide inspiration for leading a healthy and active lifestyle. There are numerous accounts promoting healthy living, exercise, and nutritious food choices to encourage people to take care of their bodies.

Community and support

Social media can host supportive communities for people working through body image disorders. Support groups and online communities can provide empathy, understanding, and encouragement to help people in their journey toward body positivity.

If you’re experiencing body dissatisfaction, here are some tips that may help you cope with these feelings:

  1. Focus on your strengths. Rather than focusing on your perceived flaws, focus on your strengths and what you like about yourself. This can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and improve your overall self-esteem.
  2. Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself can help improve your mood and help you feel better about your body. This can include engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet.
  3. Challenge negative thoughts. Try to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that you have about your body. Ask yourself if these thoughts are realistic or if there’s evidence to support them. You can also try to reframe negative thoughts into more positive ones.
  4. Surround yourself with positive influences. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. Avoid people or social media accounts that make you feel bad about your body.

Tips for parents

Here are some tips for parents who suspect their child may be experiencing body dissatisfaction via social media:

  • Talk about media literacy. Teach your child about media literacy and how images on social media can be altered or manipulated. Help them understand that the images they see are not always realistic.
  • Be a positive role model. Try to model healthy behaviors around body image and self-esteem. Encourage your child to focus on their strengths and positive qualities, rather than their perceived flaws.
  • Monitor social media use. Monitor your child’s use of social media and limit exposure to images that may trigger a poor body image. Encourage your child to take breaks from social media and engage in other activities that promote positive body image and self-esteem.
  • Encourage positive self-talk. Encourage your child to focus on their positive qualities and achievements rather than their appearance. Encourage positive self-talk and help them develop a more positive self-image.

Was this helpful?

Social media can affect body image in complex and multifaceted ways. It’s important to be aware of these potential effects and to use social media mindfully.

It’s helpful to reduce your overall use of social media, seek out body-positive images, focus on your strengths, and engage in self-care practices.

Social media effects on body image and eating disorders - News

  • Author By Bella Fleps
  • April 21, 2021
Summertime at Illinois State.

The rise of social media usage in today’s society can have many different effects on body image and the later development of eating disorders in many individuals. Research clearly shows that media exposure contributes to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Social media is unfortunately shaping our concept of beauty. With constant exposure to images posted online, it is evident that there is a link to how individuals compare themselves and perceive their own body. There are an estimated 3.6 billion users worldwide on social media, therefore there must be negative and positive effects linked with social media users.

A negative body image can cause unrealistic expectations of how your body should look and can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and disordered eating. Studies have found a correlation between the time spent on social media and a negative body image. The correlation is especially true when participants were scrolling through appearance-related content, like accounts of a fitness instructor or model on Instagram. Social media images are filled with people presenting the best version of themselves. Social media can then hurt your body image by constantly exposing yourself to the ideal body type, leading to constant comparison of yourself to unrealistic standards. Additionally, photoshop and filters are readily available to users playing into the unrealistic body image.

However, social media can also have positive effects on body image and can promote body positivity. Viewing body-positive content on social media platforms can help individuals become more accepting and appreciative of their bodies. Additionally, social media can connect you with others to build a body-accepting community.

It is important to examine ways to use social media in a positive way to avoid a negative body image. It is important to take a break from social media if you feel worse after using it. Additionally, examine who you are following on social media and unfollow accounts if they do not make you feel good. Instead, pay attention to accounts, people, and images that lift you up. Follow accounts that promote body positivity that does not agree with the beauty standards set by society. (A great account to follow to begin your search for body positivity accounts is @realistic. body.therapist on Instagram.)  Finding body-positive accounts and joining support groups can help shift your mindset about the ideal body image set by society. Furthermore, you can use your own social media to be an advocate for positive body talk. Shout out to media outlets, retailers, advertisers, and celebrity product endorsers who celebrate and promote natural looks, healthy body size, and diverse body shapes. You can take a stand and refuse to read, view, or listen to media or buy advertised products that do not promote a healthy and diverse body image.

Students should also consider participating in The Body Project or More Than Muscles programs offered through Student Counseling Services. These workshops help students develop and maintain a positive body image and are scientifically supported eating disorder prevention programs. Students will get a chance to dive deeper in conversations about the body image ideal set by society and promoted to us by the media.

For more information on how media effects body image visit https://www. nationaleatingdisorders.org/media-eating-disorders.

Units
Student Affairs, Student Counseling Services

Features of the influence of the media on the formation of appearance

Author : Isakov Alexander Evgenievich

Rubric : Psychology

Posted by V young scientist #27 (422) July 2022

Publication date : 10.07.2022 2022-07-10

Article viewed: 116 times

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References:

Isakov, A. E. Features of the influence of mass media on the formation of external appearance / A. E. Isakov. - Text: direct // Young scientist. - 2022. - No. 27 (422). — S. 146-148. — URL: https://moluch.ru/archive/422/93914/ (date of access: 04/11/2023).



The article discusses the features of the influence of the media on the formation of appearance. Emphasizes the role of the media in the formation of self-esteem and self-confidence

Keywords: physical self image, appearance, media influence, self-esteem, self-confidence.

Almost all authors agree that the influence of the media is enormous and undoubted, as evidenced by its impact on all residents of developed countries [2, p. 106]. However, many of them consider the use of the media rather a marginal activity, allowing them to pass the time or relax in their free time. Most people are aware of some of the influence of the media, but they are no longer aware of its power [3, p. 56].

The media shape public opinion, represent political parties, influence event awareness and, last but not least, products. There are several categories in which this influence manifests itself, the most basic of which is the influence of the media on the organization of society. Another category is news activity and the formation of an opinion about events, here we can also use the example of theories that undermine the facts presented by the media, paradoxically, using the media and presenting ready-made knowledge based on their own conjectures. Another category of influence is advertising and promotion, because, of course, it cannot be said that all and even not most advertisements act as a product communication medium. The media also plays an important role in shaping the perception of one's own appearance [1, p. 19].

Every society needs one dominant view of reality. In modern society, this dominant force is the media. Modern society introduces a new cultural dimension into a person's life, radically transforming his previous idea of ​​the world. This new dimension is a cultural environment of mediated experiences that can be acquired without physical limitations. Currently, the cultural environment of mediated experiences is the media, which is a special social institution that specializes in transmitting various mediated messages to our immediate context. Getting media products is a completely normal and routine part of a person's daily life. It is important to think about the role of the media and how people produce and receive mediated symbolic messages, that is, to what extent they see the media as powerful mediators of the social ideal of a slim body in a particular social context.

The development of modern mass media brings with it different ideas about their influence, functions, role in society, as well as their impact on society and the individual. However, the position of the media in society depends on the quality of the culture of a given society and its value systems, within which interpersonal communication takes place. For example, the role of the media in society is not only active and depends on the technological capabilities and intentions of the media organizations themselves. Generally speaking, the media can confirm the social values ​​that exist and are recognized in society, but they can also treat them destructively, or they can propagate and create completely new values. When evaluating the influence of the media, it is important what role and position the media themselves occupy in a given society. The term mass media itself refers to that which communicates something to someone. The fields that deal with different types of communication use the term "media" to mean that which conveys a message to someone. The essence of the medium's actions is mediation. Therefore, information obtained through the media is called mediated or mediated information. The mediation process is to some extent influenced by the nature of the mediator, as well as goals and rules that are generally unclear, especially in the case of a complex media communication process. Thus, the impact of media communication on society is diverse and contradictory.

The relationship between media and society, i.e. culture, is difficult to define. Media content reflects various aspects of the cultural environment in which the media operate. The media do not stand outside the society and culture that is the framework of their work. They are influenced by society and culture, and at the same time they themselves influence them. “The media is clearly a social institution of its kind (meaning, among other things, that they have enough in common and many common ideas and expectations associated with them that we can think of them as a whole) and as as such, they play a very significant role in the general order, even in the daily life of modern industrial and post-industrial societies. Perceptions about the important role of the media mentioned above differ depending on which approach is preferred to the relationship between the media and society as a whole. An essential and key factor in the issue of the success of the media in society is, first of all, the audience of the media, that is, media users. Studying and getting to know the media audience is of social importance, since knowledge about the behavior of media users is also an important area of ​​self-knowledge of the individual.

There is a belief that the media can influence the behavior, attitudes or opinions of individuals and, in general, the whole society. These ideas change in the course of history in connection with the development of society, the media themselves and the knowledge of the process of media communication.

A person's perception of his appearance affects the formation of many important personality traits: self-confidence, cheerfulness, isolation, individualism [5, p. 1094]. A person's idea of ​​himself, his physical appearance, affects his behavior in relation to other people [4, p. 90].

Awareness and acceptance of one's appearance, the adequacy of the perception of one's body and attitude towards one's personality as a whole, as well as successful social adaptation depend on the development of the body image, its improvement and overcoming the shortcomings of its formation. Social researchers emphasize that society makes a significant contribution to the creation of an individual body image. The relevance of the problem lies in the fact that today the ideal of the body, the stereotype of external attractiveness and bodily health are an integral part of the content of the information flow of the media [6, p. 354].

The media spread the exaggerated ideal of female harmony in the form of thin, often even emaciated models. Demonstrated on TV screens, on the pages of glossy magazines, the image of an ideal appearance can become an image of the desired result. Contemporary stereotypes propagated by the media portray people with better looks as being happier, more confident, smarter, more outgoing, and more successful, though not more honest and caring than other people. This is especially true for advertising. In the model of behavior demonstrated through commercials (especially for cosmetics and perfumery products), we see a spectacular, self-confident woman who is able to get out of a difficult situation herself, without anyone's help.

The impact of the media on a person and society is of interest to social disciplines and various social groups, which, unfortunately, are not always based on empirical data, and the results of their conclusions are often only conjectures and prejudices that overestimate and simplify the impact of the media. Although the influence of the media on a person and society is a provable and empirically verified fact, it is often unrealistic to describe the nature of this influence and prove its nature. Uncertainty about the nature of the action of the media and this mechanism stems from the diversity of views on media and media communications, from the constantly changing nature of the media themselves, and, no less important, from the social nature of media communications.

Literature:

  1. Almazova S.L. Theoretical analysis of the problem of studying the image of the body as a component of the "I-concept" of personality // Psychology of corporality: theoretical and practical research. - Penza: publishing house "Penza State Pedagogical University. V. G. Belinsky”, 2009. P. 18–22.
  2. Arina G. A., Martynov S. E. Mass media as a factor in the emergence of concern with one's own appearance in youth // Cultural-Historical Psychology. 2009. No. 4. P.105–114.
  3. Zakharova A. V. Psychology of the formation of self-esteem / A. V. Zakharova. - M .: "Progress", 2008. - 100 p.
  4. Mukhina Yu. I. Study of the relationship between personal self-esteem and satisfaction with appearance // Humanization of education. 2018. No. 4. P. 90–96.
  5. Patrikeeva E. G., Solovieva O. A. Influence of fashion and modern standards of beauty on the consciousness and behavior of girls // Young scientist. - 2015. - No. 24. - S. 1092–1096.
  6. Tikhonova I. N. The influence of the media on the formation of the external appearance of a modern girl // Personality in a changing world: health, adaptation, development. 2015. No. Special issue, part 2, pp. 354–359.

Basic terms (automatically generated) : mass information, society, media, media influence, role of media, cultural environment, media audience, influence, media impact, modern society.

Keywords

self-esteem, media influence, self confidence, appearance, image of the physical Self

physical self image, appearance, media influence, self-esteem, self-confidence

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The influence of the media on adolescents - Achinsk Oil and Gas College

Now it is fashionable to scold the media for everything that worries modern society. But is the media really that bad?
Today, the media have a huge impact on teenagers. Whether it's television, computers, video games, social networking sites, it all affects every aspect of a teenager's life. But things are not so bad with the media. When used correctly, media can change lives for the better. This article highlights both positive and negative media influences on teenagers.

The positive impact of the media (news sources) on teenagers.

  • The media helps to develop understanding. Most teenagers live closed lives. But under the influence of various media, they have an awareness of society and the world. This cultural and political consciousness is vital if we are to have a generation of socially responsible citizens. From news channels, magazines, social networks that trumpet world events, teenagers can understand what is happening in the world.
  • Helps develop social skills. Many teenagers are socially awkward. The media gives them the opportunity to develop their social skills. It also gives them the opportunity to expand their social circle and make new friends. Other benefits include social confidence, increased media literacy, and social support. Social media enhances your child's social skills and therefore helps them navigate successfully in today's society.
  • Inspires them. With a little guidance, teens can use movies as inspiration. Or, for example, teenagers, looking at famous people, often repeat after them. Thus, if celebrities say that drugs are bad, then a teenager can listen to them.
  • Helps develop motor skills. There are some video games that can help teenagers develop and fine-tune their motor skills and coordination.
  • Helps develop reading and writing skills. When a celebrity talks about their favorite book, a teenager can read it. Not to mention, if a teenager wants to take an active part in blogs, chats, and so on, then he must improve his writing and reading skills.

But these benefits cannot gloss over the negative impact that the media has on people. The media is full of information. But for teenagers, this information can be a cause for serious concern.

So, the negative impact of the media on teenagers.

  • Distorted body image. Today the world is full of perfect people. With perfect skin, body and hair. Thanks to Photoshop, the standard of beauty has become almost impossible. And these images are everywhere. This has led to body image distortion among teenagers. Anorexia and bulimia are the consequences of such changes in attitudes and opinions. And it's not just limited to girls. Even young men can feel "less than a man" if they don't fit into the mainstream media.
  • Make violence normal. The amount of violence in video games and movies is horrendous. And teenagers spend many hours watching these scenes. Violence becomes their reality. Many teenagers are unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy. This makes violence normal for them. The number of school shootings in many countries is a clear proof of this.
  • Obesity. Most likely, your teenager spends most of his time in front of the TV and computer. Outdoor games have become a rarity. Add to this the habitual poor nutrition of many, and you have a real epidemic of obesity.
  • Low score at school. Teenagers who watch too much TV score lower on exams. In addition, such teenagers do not read well. Studies show that people who score well on exams watched less TV during their childhood and adolescence.

Today, the media is a powerful and ubiquitous weapon. You just can't avoid its tentacles. Yes, and do not! Remember that the media is just a tool, and like any other tool, how you use it is up to you.

How to regulate the influence of the media on young people.

Media exposure is a part of modern life, but you can help your child determine what is worth spending time on and what is not. Here are some ways to deal with the influence of social media on teenagers.

  • Check out the movies, music, TV shows, games and celebrities your child loves. If you know what he's interested in, then you can see photos and posts that influence him.
  • Many sites are now available to teenagers, such as YouTube, where a teenager can freely watch whatever his heart desires. In this case, it will be quite difficult for you to track his actions. Try monitoring your child for what he watches on TV or on the internet. Try to negotiate some rules and restrictions.
  • Monitoring your child does not mean that you should prevent him from watching the media. They make him aware of the negative influence. It will be a good idea if you limit your teen's time in front of the TV and computer.
  • You also have to choose, in some cases, to ban certain apps, shows or games from your teen. Be sure to explain to him why you are doing this.
  • You can also encourage your teen to discuss the media and answer their questions. Choose a TV ad or magazine and ask your teen questions like who is behind it, what is their motivation, and so on.
  • You can do the same with your child's role model. Get your teen to think about it, ask them questions. Why does he like this celebrity, what features in her attract him, what he would like to imitate and so on.

Tips for parents.

It is your responsibility as a parent to help your teen make the right choice. Here are some tips to help you eliminate the negative impact of the media on your teenager.