The Influence of Social Media on Perception of Body Image and Beauty Standards on Young People

Authors

  • Zijing Xie

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/67rvhh97

Keywords:

Media exposure; Body image; Young people.

Abstract

Through different sections, this paper discovers the complex relationship between social exposure and body image perceptions among young individuals. In the era of technological development, the significance of media exposure to young people cannot be underestimated. The Causes and Consequences section is divided into the previous studies and theories and the consequences of frequent media exposure. These two parts separately discussed the possible reasons for media influencing young people and the results, for instance, anxiety, lack of confidence, or dissatisfaction with their body image. It examines how these portrayals reinforce traditional gender roles, cultivate body dissatisfaction, affect interpersonal relationships, and shape societal norms and expectations. The third part introduces some mitigating factors and interventions. Including education initiatives and media literacy programs to support young people’s critical thinking and viewing skills when facing media exposure, it also includes policy interventions through government agencies and health services to improve young people’s mental health. This research fosters a healthier relationship between young people and media exposure.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

The Common Sense Census: Media use by tweens and teens, 2019. Common Sense Media. (n.d.). https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by- tweens-and-teens-2019

Perloff, R.M. Social Media Effects on Young Women’s Body Image Concerns: Theoretical Perspectives and an Agenda for Research. Sex Roles 71, 363–377 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-014-0384-6

Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: the impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and

mood. Body image, 13, 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.12.002

Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetTweens: The Internet and Body Image Concerns in Preteenage Girls. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 34(5), 606–620. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431613501083

Groesz, L. M., Levine, M. P., & Murnen, S. K. (2002). The effect of experimental presentation of thin media images on body satisfaction: a meta-analytic review. The International journal of eating disorders, 31(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.10005

Strahan, E. J., Wilson, A. E., Cressman, K. E., & Buote, V. M. (2006). Comparing to perfection: How cultural norms for appearance affect social comparisons and self-image. Body Image, 3(3), 211–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2006.07.004

Wohlford, K.E., Lochman, J.E. & Barry, T.D. The Relation Between Chosen Role Models and the Self-Esteem of Men and Women. Sex Roles 50, 575–582 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SERS.0000023076.54504.ca

Fardouly, J., Magson, N. R., Rapee, R. M., Johnco, C. J., & Oar, E. L. (2020). The use of social media by Australian preadolescents and its links with mental health. Journal of clinical psychology, 76(7), 1304–1326. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22936

Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: a meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological bulletin, 134(3), 460–476. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.134.3.460

Cash, T. F. (2012). Body image a handbook of theory, research, and clinical practice. Guilford Press.

Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. J. (2006). Does advertising literacy mediate the effects of advertising on children? A critical examination of two linked research literatures in relation to obesity and Food Choice. Journal of Communication, 56(3), 560–584. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00301.x

Downloads

Published

01-04-2024

How to Cite

Xie, Z. (2024). The Influence of Social Media on Perception of Body Image and Beauty Standards on Young People. Transactions on Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 5, 143-148. https://doi.org/10.62051/67rvhh97