The Perfect Body
Body image is a
multifaceted construct that refers to one's perceptions and attitudes about
one's body size and shape. According to studies, the media has had an important influence in shaping people's self-image over time by informing and reflecting on what they regard to be beautiful or desirable. Based on the article (Miller et al.,
2017), “one of the ways in which they do so is through the common use of
very thin and attractive models in print and other media, often termed the
‘thin ideal’, which communicate the way that people believe they should look in
order to be attractive and desirable to others.” With that being said,
individuals who believe that they fail to meet the ideal body type fall prey to
eating disorders, poor self-esteem, depression, and overall body
dissatisfaction.
For each culture, the ideal body type may differ. For example in the American
culture, the ideal beauty and body type are considered “thin”; as opposed to the
African culture, where “thick” is the ideal body type. The media constantly
portrays toned or well-dieted bodies as the ideal body type. From the selected
models and imagery used down to the eating habits. In the attempt to reach an idealized
body type, females often try to lose weight which leads to a common eating
disorder known as anorexia nervosa. While we have some females who suffer from
anorexia, we have some who experience the complete opposite which is identified
as obesity. Over the years the media has played an important role in “body
shaming” which oftentimes leads to body dissatisfaction.
Examining the ways that social media or the media, in general, has affected
how dissatisfied females are with their body type, it can be stated that this
also causes low self-esteem and depression. Females struggle with these issues
because they have allowed themselves to become psychologically affected in a
negative way. They either try to achieve the ideal body type or fail to do so. Whether
they fail or achieve the same it can lead to depression as they become unhappy with
the results or their body becomes unhealthy and responds “negatively” to the
changes. Making attempts to change their natural body structure is often due to
the comparison to the models or persons who they think have the perfect body.
Once a female begins to make comparisons between her and another individual it is
evident that they struggle with self-confidence and suffer from poor
self-esteem. Low self-esteem has even caused individuals to go as far as completing
surgeries to achieve what they consider as the ideal or perfect body type.
As the years go by, women have become more media literate and aware of
the effects that the media has on them and society at large. With an increase
in awareness, they have learned to appreciate themselves and their bodies more,
along with teaching each other ways to always express self-love and body
positivity. Now ask yourself, “What is the ideal body type?” ……. “Your God-given
body!”. 😊😊😊😊
Fleps, B. (2021, April 21). Social media effects on body image and eating disorders. News.
Miller, J. S.,
Shannon, A., & Hogue, J. (2017, October 25). Beauty, body image, and the media.
IntechOpen - Open Science Open Minds | IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/55388
Ossola, A. (2010, September 1). The media's effect on women's body image. Hamilton College. https://www.hamilton.edu/news/story/the-medias-effect-on-womens-body-image
Vitelli, R. (2013, November 18). Media exposure and the "Perfect" Body. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/201311/media-exposure-and-the-perfect-body
