We all consume media on a daily basis, but rarely take the time to think about what we are being exposed to. From magazines to television and social media – each contains specific beauty ideals that influence our sense of self-perception. In this article, we will dive into a better understanding of the media’s impact on our self-image and how those ideals can shape our sense of our own beauty.
1. The Changing Image of Beauty: How Media Is Shaping Our Perception
It’s no secret that media has a huge influence on our perception of beauty. Across the world, our society is influenced by magazines, movies, and TV shows that use imagery to shape an understanding of physical attractiveness and beauty. As media continues to evolve, so does our understanding of beauty.
- Body Shaming – In the past, beauty has been seen as a static ideal of slender frames, tall stature, and long locks. However, with the rise of social media, this stereotype has shifted to one that celebrates inclusivity and body positivity. Now, individuals of varying sizes are represented in the media and we see all types of body types celebrated and accepted.
- Celebrities Setting Trends – From the time we were young, we’ve seen stars in movies, TV, and magazines with flawless skin, beautiful clothes, and perfect waves. It’s now considered quite natural to change our physical appearance — from hair color to nail art to plastic surgery — to become “beautiful” and “perfect” according to mainstream ideals.
- Beauty Brands Taking a Stand – Beauty companies are taking a stand to redefine beauty in a more progressive way. Companies are noticing the diversity and inclusivity of beauty and are shifting their advertising campaigns to reflect that. From embracing natural hair to creating plus size clothes and makeup collections, they’re making efforts to show that anyone can be beautiful.
The idea of beauty is becoming more malleable all the time, no longer defined by one standard. We’re seeing a shift from using Photoshop to show “perfection” to showcasing “realness” instead — from stretch marks to freckles to bald heads. Over the last few decades, media has been a driving factor in redefining beauty, and the journey to embracing different forms of beauty is still in progress.
The challenge now is to combat the deeply ingrained internalized notion of beauty and replace it with a contemporary vision of what is considered attractive, desirable, and beautiful. It’s evident that with the rise and fall of different ideals over the years, media has the power to shape our perceptions and the way we think about beauty.
2. Unpacking the Impact of the Media’s Unrealistic Ideals
From movies to magazines, the media’s unrealistic ideals are pervasive in our society. We see them* in advertisements for beauty products, apparel, and even physical activities – all of which come with promises of perfection. But the truth is that these products can’t make us perfect, and these images don’t reflect reality. Let’s unpack this to understand the full scope of the effects.
The Sad Reality
The impact of the media’s unrealistic ideals does not go unnoticed. Men and women of all ages are susceptible to its consequences. We can’t help but to compare ourselves to the magazine cover models or the latest star on screen, leaving us feeling unacceptably inadequate. Not only is our self-esteem affected, but so is our physical health when we use surgery, drugs, or restrictive diets to achieve the impossible.
Self-Love Takes a Hit
Sadly, this bombardment of unrealistic standards has created a generation struggling to love themselves. When we can’t seem to reach the unattainable level of beauty expected, it can be deeply disheartening. Depression, anxiety, and low self-confidence are the result of these seemingly subtle efforts to create an ‘unrealistic ideal’. As a society, it’s important that we raise awareness and take certain measures to protect future generations.
Creating Change
Some steps that can be taken to protect the youth include:
- Providing education about proper nutrition and healthy body image
- Limiting the amount of airbrushed and edited imagery
- Encouraging campaigns that celebrate all types of beauty
- Promoting acceptance and resilience in the wake of failure
When we come together and push for realistic representation in the media, we can make a positive difference in how people view their own selves and the world around them.
3. Exploring How Media Affects Self-Perception and Self-Esteem
From the time we’re old enough to flip through a magazine, our self-perception is shaped by what we’re exposed to in the media. Whether it’s the perfect radio DJ with their effortlessly-cool voice or magazine spreads of stars with airbrushed skin, the messages we receive suggest that we all should strive for perfectly-polished personas in order to be accepted.
With these impossible standards, it’s no wonder that media can have adverse effects on how we view ourselves. We’re often left searching in vain to find reflections of ourselves or our values on the glossy pages of a magazine, only to be disappointed when we fail to find any. Sometimes we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and to a standard that can’t be met.
How can we actively counteract the media’s negative messages? Here are some tips:
- Recognize and challenge unrealistic expectations. The images we consume are often unrealistically idealized, and simply recognizing this can make it easier to resist being pulled into a cycle of comparison.
- Switch it up! Diversifying the media we consume can introduce us to a range of experiences, values, and lifestyles we may not have known about before.
- Check in with yourself. Consistently monitoring our self-talk and checking in with our own feeling can help us separate ourselves from the media’s restrictive definitions of beauty and self-worth.
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to body image. Just like the rest of the media, it’s full of heavily-edited and filtered images that can be difficult to differentiate from reality. But it can also be a way to connect with people from all over the world and build a positive community. By being selective with who we follow and engaging in meaningful conversations that promote body acceptance, we can make social media work for us in the pursuit of positive self-esteem.
4. Striking a Balance: What We Can Do to Mitigate the Media’s Negative Influence
Today more than ever, media has an outsized influence on us. It shapes how we view the world, experience relationships, and make decisions. While exposure to media can foster positive change, it can also have a detrimental effect on our lives. Here are a few ways we can balance out media’s negative effect on us.
- Take regular breaks from your screens. Step away from your device, stretch your legs, and give your eyes a break. Taking regular breaks can lower your stress level and increase your overall productivity.
- Unplug completely from time to time. Give yourself a complete media detox so you can enjoy valuable time with family and friends, take on a new hobby, or just relax.
- Set healthy limits. Make sure not to spend too much time in front of your screens; balance your digital life with activities like exercising, talking with friends, or doing something creative.
- Follow media literacy principles. Determine what you are consuming and be mindful of how it makes you feel. Open up conversations with family and friends about your media viewing habits.
It’s more important than ever to strike a balance between media consumption and other life activities. Repetition of unhealthy media messages can lead to an increase in negative thinking and feelings of isolation and anxiety. We must remain vigilant in being mindful of the media we consume and how it impacts our mental health.
We can protect ourselves and our loved ones by being mindful of how much time we spend in front of a screen. By setting boundaries and taking breaks, we can foster an environment that’s positive both online and off.
The media has a deep and powerful influence on our perception of beauty, and it is important to recognize the impact its messaging can have on our self-image. By understanding the implications of these messages, we can better shape our own standards of beauty and work towards creating positive perceptions of self and others.