Media’s Influence on Body Image

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Body Image nowadays in Australia has become an issue, especially with adolescent girls. People’s perception on the correct body image has been distorted for many different reasons, due to media, social and parental influence. And the changes in your body can make it hard for some people to accept their body image and identity, but others try change their body’s in drastic ways, which are the effects on unrealistic media influence.

The most common effect of body image is depression and low self esteem. Body image should not contribute to the amount of value a person places on themselves, but in reality it does. Most people are dissatisfied with the way they look to some degree, which has a negative impact on their self-esteem. These effects can be countered if you safely change you eating or physical habits.

Media aimed at the youth these days has been a large contributor to low self esteem, underweight issues and depression, as the media portrayed in magazines and TV, shows an unrealistic body that in most cases has been edited. An example of unrealistic body image in media is the fact that in Australia, models are size 8 when the average Australian woman is averaged at size 12-14!

Facts About Body Image You Should Know:

• The media targets young adolescents, who are sensitive and vulnerable about their body image.
• 80% of pictures with models have been edited.
• The media applies peer pressure to what is and isn’t cool.
• Diets advertised in the media should be taken with caution.

Don’t be fooled by these tactics, as their mainly used in order for adolescents to buy products, to make themselves look like the model portrayed in the advertisement.

Although media influence may make you feel different and insignificant, you’re wrong as your identity isn’t based on appearance, but on personality, and if necessary there are various safe ways to change your appearance to your liking.

Negative body image which is when a woman or man has a distorted perception of her shape and size, compares her body to others, and feels shame and anxiety about her body. The effects of this can be minor and severe, ranging from short depression to extreme eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. Adolescents with a negative perception of their body are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, eating disorders and at times can be suicidal. The most concerning and dangerous effect of negative body image is eating disorders, negative body image is the prime contributor to eating disorders throughout Australia. Eating disorders can be the effect of dangerous fad diets. So next time you see a diet in a magazine or on the internet ask your Physician or doctor before trying out the diet, as that could be the difference between safety and harmful.

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