Topic > Beauty standards and media influence on body image

Beauty standards depicted in media images have a significant impact on body image in today's society. While some experts argue that these standards have positive effects, there is plenty of evidence to suggest otherwise. Celebrities and advertising often encourage young people to strive for specific body images, ignoring their own unique characteristics. It is essential to be aware of this influence to minimize negative effects. The growing influence of media and beauty standards on body image is a complex trend that requires particular attention. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Iconic characters and mass advertisements are encountered daily by most people, especially through the Internet. Adolescents, in particular, are aware of social pressures and standards, and media models often serve as lenses for self-evaluation and social comparison (Lewallen & Behm-Morawitz, 2016). However, it is not reasonable to compare yourself to popular models whose job is to look thin and attractive. Furthermore, iconic figures and advertisements can indirectly promote body dissatisfaction by encouraging people to undergo cosmetic surgery. Research by Jung and Hwang (2016) found that celebrities serve as a reference group for many Americans and influence their likelihood of undergoing cosmetic surgery. People see beautiful faces and attractive bodies of iconic figures in their fifties in the media and want to achieve the same look with minimal effort. Additionally, advertisers often use sexually oriented campaigns that create the perception that individuals are not sexually attractive. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and negative self-perception. The growing importance of social networks, such as Instagram, plays a fundamental role in shaping and disseminating current beauty standards. Instagram, which sees over 95 million photos shared every day, has become a major contributor to public opinion on beauty standards (Francina, 2018). Users are constantly exposed to a stream of images that can be both a source of inspiration and a cause of dissatisfaction. Many people also share their own photos, trying to present their best selves and sometimes deceiving their followers. This is a common practice on Instagram and other social networks and can be quite worrying. Social media users also receive feedback on their appearance, which becomes a crucial tool for evaluating their body and shaping their perspective. Exposure to appearance comments has been found to significantly increase body dissatisfaction (Tiggemann & Barbato, 2018). It's important to recognize that people are more likely to share negative comments on social media than in real life. Additionally, feedback from others is often visible to a person's followers or affected people, exacerbating the negative impact. The number of likes a post receives can also have negative effects, leading to anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. Although there are some positive effects of beauty standards and media data on body image, a cautious attitude is necessary. Attractive iconic figures, bloggers and casual individuals can inspire people to work hard to improve their appearance. The popularity of activities such as running and yoga has grown globally thanks to their promotion on social media. Furthermore, a healthy lifestyle is often encouraged through.