Media Body Image

Words: 1430
Pages: 6

The media, in all its forms, influences its viewers and can have an effect on an individual’s health. Today, social media apps and websites have become a popular media source which allows users to accomplish a variety of activities from uploading photos and connecting with peers to sharing your opinions on a global platform. Viewers digest messages presented, which lead to their understanding of the world and perspectives of themselves. This exposure can affect people’s behaviors and priorities. Instagram and Facebook are just two networks used world-wide, each site consisting of its own positives and negatives in the promotion of individual body imaging ideals. The portrayal of body image in the social world varies between what society expects and personal acceptance often altered over the years by viewing repetitive images. Unfortunately, people worldwide are falling victim to displaying themselves according to what humanity views as …show more content…
Social media has the ability to set examples that users would follow whether they are healthy, safe and effective or not. In regard to body image, countless magazines and businesses online display muscular men and thin, tiny women to represent their brand, encouraging viewers to achieve the same physical look. Evidence has shown that the drive for thinness often overrides the drive for health (Clark, 2017), especially in the female population. Research has also examined the correlation between mental and physical health with negativity received from others though comments or by comparing your own self with others. Perhaps, exposure to a more supportive, naturalistic environment (Perloff, 2014) to emphasis what a realistic body ideal really is, is what media should render towards. Using this approach on social media will create a population which is more satisfied with their own bodies and less self harm will be imposed on their