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  • Essay / Beauty Standards and Media Influence on Body Image

    Beauty standards depicted in media images have a significant impact on body image in today's society. Although some experts say these standards have positive effects, much evidence suggests otherwise. Celebrities and advertisements often encourage young people to pursue specific body images, disregarding their own characteristics. It is crucial to be aware of this influence in order to minimize its negative effects. The growing influence of media and beauty standards on body image is a complex trend that requires careful attention. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayIconic characters and massive advertisements are encountered by most people on a daily basis, especially through the Internet. Adolescents, in particular, are aware of societal pressures and norms, and media models often serve as targets for self-evaluation and social comparison (Lewallen and Behm-Morawitz, 2016). However, it is not reasonable to compare yourself to popular models whose job is to look slim and attractive. Additionally, iconic characters and advertisements may indirectly promote body dissatisfaction by encouraging individuals to undergo cosmetic surgery. Research by Jung and Hwang (2016) found that celebrities serve as a reference group for many Americans and influence their likelihood of seeking cosmetic surgery. People see beautiful faces and attractive bodies of iconic figures in their 50s in the media and want to achieve the same look with minimal effort. Additionally, advertisers often use sexually oriented campaigns that make individuals appear unsexually attractive. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and a negative self-perception. The growing importance of social media, such as Instagram, plays a vital role in shaping and disseminating today's beauty standards. Instagram, which shares more than 95 million photos per day, has become a leading contributor to public opinion on beauty standards (Franchina, 2018). Users are constantly exposed to a stream of images that can be both inspiring and dissatisfying. Many people also share their own photos, trying to present themselves in the best light and sometimes misleading their followers. This is a common practice on Instagram and other social networks, and it can be quite concerning. Social media users also receive feedback on their appearance, which becomes a crucial tool for evaluating one's body and shaping one's perspective. Exposure to appearance comments has been found to significantly increase body dissatisfaction (Tiggemann & Barbato, 2018). It's important to recognize that people are more likely to share negative comments on social media than in real life. Additionally, others' comments are often visible to a person's followers or interested parties, exacerbating the negative impact. The number of likes a post receives can also have negative effects, leading to anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. Although beauty standards and media personalities have positive effects on body image, a careful attitude is necessary. Attractive iconic characters, bloggers, and random individuals can inspire people to work hard to improve their appearance. There.