Three Ways Media is Effecting Teenage Girls

Media is something that we can't ignore, even if we tried. Imagine looking in the mirror and not being happy with what you are looking at. This is an issue that is continuing to grow. According to my abnormal psychology book, by Comer, between .2 and 5 percent of women in Western countries will develop anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa at some point in their lives. The following is wrote for the American Psychological Assoication as a list of ways media is effecting body image.

1. Magazine Covers
A study by Comer, found that 70% of teen girls agreed that magazine covers strongly influence what they believe to be the ideal body. According to the American Psychological Association, 22% of teens girls spend twenty minutes a day reading teen magazines. Adolescence is a time for identity formation, while these magazines use airbrushed models; teens often strive to look like them. When they don't, poor self-esteem and body image begins.

2. Fashion Models
Today's models are generally weighing 22% less than the average women; they often are 5'10 to 6'0 weighing between 90 and 120lbs. These body portions are not normal but teens do not understand that when they are consuming media. Unfortunately young girls want to look similar to these women and when their bodies do not match them, they begin to suffer mentally.

3. Barbie
To most people Barbie is just a childhood doll that shares the growing up experience. On the other hand even Barbie can influence body image. In a study by Dittmar, girls were exposed to Barbie and Emme a plus sized doll. Those exposed to Barbie resulted in higher body dissatisfaction than those compared to Emme. This study is showing the correlation between exposure to media and body image.
The Serious Consequences
Having low body image and self-esteem can be hard to overcome. What is more troubling about this is eating disorders can occur when someone has a poor self-image. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are dangerous disorders. Those suffering from Anorexia can experience; low blood pressure and body temperature, body swelling, reduced bone density, hair loss, and a slow heart rate. Bulimia can cause dental issues and potassium deficiency.
For more information click on the following lin, Eating Disorders

All in all media is playing a large role in effecting teenage girls. This is becoming more prevalent in our society as teens are exposed to all these types of media on a daily basis. "If you would talk to your friends the way you talk to your body, you would have no friends left." -Marcia Hutchinson.

I encourage comments on this topic. Has media played a role in your body image? What do you think of this issue that is continuing to grow in our society?