Body Image: How We Perceive Ourselves When We Look In

Body Image Is The Way We Perceive Ourselves When We Look In The Mirror

Body image is the way we perceive ourselves when we look in the mirror. Often, there is a gap between the image we hold in our mind and the reality of our size, shape, or how our body moves. The wider the gap, the more likely it is that our self-esteem will be negatively affected by our body image. How does the media exploit this gap? "Body Image" · Debate It – Take a position on this statement: Media cause individuals to develop negative and unrealistic body images. Support your views with two or three reasons and/or examples. (Cite any sources you referenced.)

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary society, the influence of media on body image has been a subject of extensive debate. The assertion that media causes individuals to develop negative and unrealistic body images is supported by various psychological and sociological studies. The portrayal of idealized body types in television, magazines, and social media platforms often set unreachable standards, leading to dissatisfaction and distorted self-perceptions among viewers. This essay explores how media exploits the gap between real and idealized bodies to foster negative body images.

Firstly, the media relentlessly promotes a narrow and often unattainable standard of beauty, predominantly emphasizing thinness for women and muscularity for men. These images are frequently digitally altered and filtered, creating an illusion of perfection that is rarely reflective of reality. For example, retouched photographs in fashion magazines depict flawless skin, body shapes, and proportions that most individuals cannot replicate naturally (Perloff, 2014). Such portrayals establish a benchmark that can lead individuals to perceive their own bodies as inadequate, thereby exacerbating feelings of dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.

Secondly, social media platforms amplify this effect by enabling users to share curated images of their idealized selves. The pervasive use of filters and editing software distorts reality, making it easier for individuals to compare their everyday appearances with highly manipulated images. A notable example is the prevalence of fitness influencers and beauty models whose content often glorifies unrealistic body standards. According to Fardouly et al. (2018), exposure to idealized images on platforms like Instagram is associated with increased body dissatisfaction among young women. This constant barrage of curated images exploits the gap between actual and perceived selves, reinforcing negative self-perceptions and fostering body dissatisfaction.

Furthermore, the media often perpetuates the myth that achieving the ideal body is not only desirable but also essential for success and happiness. This narrative pressures individuals to conform to societal expectations, sometimes leading to harmful behaviors such as extreme dieting, disordered eating, or excessive exercise (Homan et al., 2019). The portrayal of thin, muscular bodies as the epitome of attractiveness influences viewers' self-evaluation, which can distort their perception of their own bodies. Consequently, individuals may develop cognitive biases where they focus on perceived flaws, ignoring their body’s natural diversity and uniqueness.

In conclusion, the media significantly exploits the gap between real and idealized body images, thereby contributing to the development of negative and unrealistic perceptions of oneself. By continuously showcasing unattainable beauty standards and curating images through digital manipulation, media reinforces feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Recognizing these influences is a vital step toward fostering a healthier body image and promoting diversity in representations of beauty.

References

• Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2018). Social media and body image concerns: Current research and future directions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 9, 1-5.
• Homan, K. J., McHugh, E., Wells, B. A., Watson, C., & King, C. (2019). The effect of Instagram on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in college women. Eating Disorders, 27(1), 71-86.
• Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social Media Use and Body Image Disturbance: The Role of Social Comparison and Internalization of Ideals. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(11), 693-699.