Photoshop and Eating Disorders

In the article, “Influence of Mass Media on Body image and Eating Disordered Attitudes and Behaviors in Females: A review of Effects and Processes,” the author makes the argument that eating disorders and related attitudes are effects that different types of media, such as television and magazines, enstill in young women. Through various studies in the field of communication suggest that these modes of mass media are exceptionally significant sources of information which build up the “thin beauty ideal.” Furthermore, these studies teach us that the media, especially images in magazines, stress to young women the importance of this “thin beauty ideal” as well as how to achieve it. Through many studies, evidence that continuous exposure to media, specifically in television and magazines, is causing pressures towards women to believe that beauty is defined by being thin, are being adding up. Because TV and magazines often created a distorted image of reality, it makes it difficult for young teens and women to differentiate what is real and what is exaggerated. Because of this, the younger generation is especially more vulnerable towards the messages these modes of media are expressing to them. “In a classic content analysis of prime-time television, Kaufman (1980) concluded that television was obsessed with thinness, and the most prevalent and salient content of magazines aimed at adolescent females was focused on appearance (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2004).” From this, we can most likely conclude that these modes of media are what drive young teens to obsess over their body sizes.

I was not very surprised to see the direct correlation between media images and eating disorders. I was pretty aware of the fact that images in the media today are not realistic, and therefore make young women feel like they must live up to the standards of photoshopped images. It also made me realize how I, as a younger woman, am also affected by the media. It made me take a step back and analyize the ways that I too feel pressured to look a certain way.

Introduction to Body Image in the Media

In today's media, filled with many different types of technology and advancements, it is evident that what the media chooses to display to its audiences is a distorted form of reality. Specifically, body image is a very significant topic to look at when analyzing and understanding the effects that today's media has on specifically younger adolescent women. Therefore, we must answer the question; What affects does the media have on teenage women in regards to body image and self perception? It is very important to look at this question because it allows us to truly understand the consequences of advanced technologies such as photoshop as well as the message media is trying to express to society. By answering this question, we are able to identify the problem, and therefore be aware of it, helping us get a step closer to solving it.  In order to answer this question, it is important to look at studies and articles that discuss the correlation and possible causation between the images the media is displaying of women and the female teenage obsession with the ideal "skinny" body and eating disorders.  

Body Image In the Media
Body Image Effects in Media

Body Image in Media

Homework assignment #11

This is my test post for the homework #11!