Question

DO YOU THINK THE MEDIA PLAYS A ROLE IN OUR BODY IMAGE?

IF YES, HOW AND IF NOT, WHY NOT?

Answer 1

Media plays a big role in our body image and how we feel about ourselves. We consciously and unconsciously compare ourselves to the "perfect" images of people we see in magazines, commercials, films, and social media. If you struggle with your body image, you aren't alone-the problem is pervasive in modern culture.

Our attention is often focused on the connection between the media and body image for women, but the relationship exists for men as well. Women in the media always look polished and together. They have perfect hair and perfect makeup with stunning features. They have a thin waistline and curves "in all the right places." Their legs are long, and they never look frumpy. Men, likewise, are shown as tall, muscular, and masculine. They have toned physiques you rarely see elsewhere. The overall message is that women should look like barbies and men like superheroes.

The way men and women look in the media creates an unrealistic image of what we think we should look like. Only around 5 percent of society resembles the images portrayed in the media. That leaves 95 percent of people subject to feeling they don't measure up.Many studies have been conducted that show the more time we spend viewing media, the higher the chance we'll experience low self-esteem.