Media can have a significant impact on body image because
it is showing an illusion for what is to be considered ideal in our society. It
is something that affects women more than men and a very young age. Female
teens are influenced by media and by others opinions. It can be alarming
because it can trigger multiple issues such body image insecurity, depression
and eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. Media frequently depict
people who are thin to be attractive and popular. It’s important to recognize
that what the media portrays is not entirely true. Health educators can have a
positive influence on this issue by discussing it to prevent low self-esteem
and eating disorders on the population.
I do believe that health educators can form a reliable support group to
overcome the unrealistic expectation of body image.
Fostering self-esteem at a young age can help prevent many
teens and young adult into thinking they have to look a certain way in order to
feel great. Mental health is an important aspect of our general well-being. It
can significantly affect our daily life by the way we feel about ourselves. TV,
movies and magazines are all outlets of media that have a tremendous influence
on teens. I also think that media is not embracing better diversity on body
image. Magazines rely on airbrushing techniques to manipulate how a person
looks and creates unrealistic expectations. Models are still unhealthy and
underweight as well. We must learn how to filter the messages that the media is
portraying as socially acceptable when they are not.
