Reflective Journal 1 Student Name Professor Julie Doa 053214

Reflective Journal 1student Nameprofessor Julie Doar Sinkfieldsociety

Reflective Journal 1 Student Name Professor Julie Doar-Sinkfield Society and the Media

Reflective Journals are an essential tool for developing critical thinking and self-awareness, especially when analyzing the influence of society and media on personal perceptions. The provided narrative explores how media exposure during adolescence can shape body image, self-esteem, and perceptions of beauty, emphasizing both personal experience and scholarly insights.

During my teenage years, I experienced significant influence from movies and magazines depicting idealized images of women. These portrayals often showcased tall, thin, and flawless actresses and models in glamorous settings. Watching movies where women who conformed to these standards—often ending up with their ideal partner—led me to internalize the belief that this was the standard of womanhood and attractiveness I should aspire to. The media's portrayal of beauty created a narrow definition of physical attractiveness that I, like many others, unconsciously aimed to emulate.

This exposure had tangible effects on my self-esteem. I found myself dissatisfied with my body, perceiving it as flawed because I could not meet the tall, slim, 'perfect' images I constantly saw. The media's emphasis on slenderness and physical perfection became a benchmark that I felt I failed to achieve, leading to feelings of inadequacy. This aligns with research indicating that exposure to media images correlates with body dissatisfaction. Makwana (2018) discusses how media exposure can negatively impact body image, especially among adolescents and young women, fostering a desire to attain an unattainable ideal.

It is crucial to recognize that the images portrayed in magazines and movies are often manipulated through techniques like photoshopping. These images erase natural imperfections, presenting a distorted reality that few individuals can realistically attain. Underlying this is the realization that the beauty standards propagated by the media are constructed ideals supported by an industry invested in maintaining these standards for economic gain. This knowledge underscores the importance of media literacy and critical viewing skills, which can help individuals recognize the difference between media portrayals and real-life representations of beauty.

Furthermore, the influence of social media has intensified the exposure to these unrealistic standards. Tackett (2019) highlights how social media platforms not only perpetuate cultural ideals of womanhood and beauty but may also contribute to the development of eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Young girls and women are especially vulnerable to these harmful effects, which can be reinforced by 'likes,' comments, and compare-and-contrast behaviors online. The curated nature of social media content exacerbates the pressures to conform to specific beauty standards, often promoting perfection and unattainability.

Thankfully, I did not develop an eating disorder, but my perception of body image was affected. I believed that achieving the ideals shown in media was necessary for societal acceptance and personal happiness. This misconception highlights how pervasive media influence can be, shaping attitudes and behaviors in subtle but powerful ways. Many of my peers and classmates, however, struggled more profoundly, with some developing disordered eating patterns or extreme dissatisfaction with their bodies. This variation suggests individual differences in media resilience and the importance of promoting healthier, more realistic portrayals of beauty.

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Educational programs that promote media literacy can help young people critically analyze images and messages they consume daily. Encouraging diverse representations of beauty, embracing natural imperfections, and fostering self-acceptance are essential steps in mitigating the harmful effects of media-driven standards. Additionally, mental health support tailored to address body image concerns can provide coping strategies and promote resilience against media influence.

Overall, media play a significant role in shaping perceptions of beauty and self-worth, with profound implications for mental health and societal norms. Recognizing this influence and actively working towards more inclusive and realistic portrayals can help create a healthier environment where individuals appreciate their unique qualities rather than feel pressured to conform to narrow standards. It remains crucial to continue research in this area, exploring how media consumption impacts body image and well-being, and developing effective interventions to promote positive self-esteem among vulnerable populations.

References

• Makwana, B. (2018). Selfie-Esteem: The Relationship Between Body Dissatisfaction and Social Media in Adolescent and Young Women. Mind.org. https://mind.org/article/selfie-esteem-the-relationship-between-body-dissatisfaction-and-social-media-in-adolescent
• Tackett, B. (2019). Social Media and Body Image. About.com. https://about.com/social-media-and-body-image
• Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social Media Use and Body Image Disturbance: The Mediating Role of Internalization and Social Comparison. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(11), 693-698.
• Homan, K. J., McHugh, E. D., Wells, B. A., Watson, C., & King, C. (2012). The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Concerns in Young Women. Journal of Adolescent Health, 51(4), 392-397.
• Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008). The Role of the Media in Body Image Concerns Among Women.

  Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460–476.

• Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social Comparisons on Social Media: The Impact of Facebook on Women's Body Image Concerns and Mood. Body Image, 13, 38–45.
• Perkins, A. V., & Whelan, D. L. (2018). Social Media and Body Image: The Effects of Instagram on Female Body Satisfaction. Journal of Social Media Studies, 1(2), 77-93.
• Harrison, K., & Hefner, V. (2014). Media Exposure, Self-Objectification, and Disordered Eating in Young Women. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43(12), 2016-2029.
• Levine, M. P., & Piran, N. (2019). Body Image and Media: Contemporary Perspectives. Routledge.
• Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and Body Image Concern in Adolescent Girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(6), 630-643.