Effect of Mass Media on Body Image and Self-Esteem of Teenage Girls

Mass Media

Mass Media is a technological advancement that intends to reach a mass audience. Newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet are traditional channels, to collect information on political and social issues, culture, and news. The cultural message that was found to be suggestive in some magazines was that women spend time and engage in behaviors that render them being more physically attractive. Television and internet audiences are larger than any other mass media. In the context of television, social media (Internet) and magazines, individuals are subjected to photographs from numerous media outlets. While not all advertising images are similar and some commercials show ordinary individuals in daily situations, most advertisements feature a skewed or intentional depiction of individuals and their lives (Richins, 1995). For a very small percentage of individuals, the degree of appearance and physical attractiveness presented in the media is a factor. Moreover, the use of technology and special effects makes it possible to render pictures beautiful and better than real life. In promoting comparisons between women, these irrational and determined images play a major role, which has led to a drastic shift in the perceptions of each image (Blowers et al., 2003). In this way, for women, especially young women and young people, images in the media are an issue. Looking at the slender and attractive models in the ads causes self-doubt and disappointment regarding their bodies and faces for many young people and can lower their self-esteem (Freedman, 1984).