The media influences body image, with many people consuming distorted images of beauty. Commercials play on insecurities to sell beauty and fitness products, but it’s possible to have a good body image by being aware of false stereotypes and focusing on sports.
Body image and the media are connected because the latter influence the former. Many people consume a lot of media, from TV shows to pictures in magazines, and their idea of what normal people are like can be distorted because of this. Teens, in particular, often view celebrities as role models and aim to be equally slim and flawless. Additionally, many commercials encourage consumers to be more attractive and reinforce the idea that some normal features are unattractive. It’s important to realize that celebrities looking their best on television and appearing in digitally altered images in magazines and advertisements is part of developing good body image.
Poor body image and the media are related because it is sometimes easy for a person to view the media and believe that being model-thin or having big biceps is the norm. Television shows, commercial advertisements, and magazines often feature slim, beautiful people. Without heavy makeup, perfect lighting, and digitally altered features, celebrities are just ordinary people. While they have freckles, moles, and bad hair, it’s not in the media’s interest to show the everyday flaws of a celebrity. The media makes a profit by providing what people have shown interest in and enjoyed, which is rarely an everyday shortcoming.
To sell beauty and fitness products, TV and radio commercials often start by playing on people’s fears or insecurities. The ad might ask if they’ve gained weight and want to lose it before putting on a bathing suit, or insinuate that having thighs touching is a bad thing. Next, the advertiser offers a solution to the perceived problem. Body image and the media are connected because media effects can leave people wanting better bodies, which is lucrative for beauty companies and gyms. While some people likely gained and lost weight using the product, the ad may negatively affect people who are of normal weight but wish to be celebrity-thin.
However, having a good body image while consuming media is entirely possible. Young women especially should be encouraged to think about how magazines appeal to their insecurities to sell the latest hairspray, foundation or straightener. The eating disorders were discovered in eight-year-olds. They can be preventable if children grow up aware of the commercials and false stereotypes that surround them. Sports can also play a role in developing a healthy body image, although some sports that focus on appearance, such as ice skating, may not help.
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