This article discusses the negative effects that media portrayals of ideal bodies can have on self-esteem and body image, especially in promoting eating disorders. It explores how the media increases pressure on both men and women to achieve unrealistic muscular or thin physiques. While some see media images as motivating for fitness, others feel dissatisfied when unable to achieve such ideals. The influence of celebrities in particular is shown to negatively impact young boys' self-perceptions of attractiveness and desire to diet.

1. Topic research

2. This article truly explores the
effects the media has on self
esteem regarding body image. The
increasing use of the media is held
responsible for the increase in
body dissatisfaction and eating
disorders.
Not only this but also the pressure
on men to be muscular and follow
the influence of celebrities.
The media is seen to have a
negative effect on men at a
younger age than women.

3. As well as the media having effects
such as eating disorders, low self-esteem
and self dissatisfaction, the
media can also be seen as a source
of motivation to those gym fanatics
who see magazine images of, ‘the
perfect man’ and feel the need to be
of the same level.
The renovation of the media has
lead to its persuasive influence in
modern society. Therefore the
stereotypical expectations of what it
is to be beautiful cannot be
overruled as the media remains in
domain of society.

5. The influence of celebrities is also
beginning to have a negative impact
on young boys with 1/3 thinking
‘they need to lose weight and have
tried to diet an average of four
times.’
Whereas there is many support for
woman disputing the discrimination
of women through the media, for
men the situation is overlooked.
Surprisingly nearly the same
number of boys are as body
conscious as woman.
Alternatively those who don’t see
themselves as part of the
percentage affected by the media,
turn the negativities into a source of
motivation in order to make
themselves more body proud.

6. The influences delivered through the media are available in
a variety of ways, for example some stereotypical
representations of what makes the perfect body are
displayed through kids programs. This has lead to an
increase in body dissatisfaction at a younger age, for
example, a previous article we researched states that, ‘girls
as young as five are unhappy with their bodies and want to
be slimmer. Our documentary will look in depth at the
negative effects the media has such as eating disorders, as
well as looking at those who regard the media to be an
inspiration to them as well as a source of motivation.

7. Nowadays, cosmetic surgery is a
lot more thought about than
previously. With banks such as
Lloyds considering offering loans
specifically aimed at cosmetic
surgery. Recently, a lot more men
are considering improving their
appearance by going under the
knife.
Many people see plastic surgery as
a method of self-improvement.
This need being influenced by the
media.

8. The media is known to present unrealistic
images of women to men therefore idolising
to them the perfect woman. However this
can have a negative affect on woman as they
are ever compared to the unachievable
images the media presents.
Subconsciously, this is also the case for men.
The images produced by the media have a
negative effect on their self satisfaction and it
was proven that ‘more than half of the boys
questioned’ (out of 2,000) ‘thought they were
not attractive to girls’

9. The effect of the media has a
negative effect on self esteem as is
established through this article.
Alternatively an idea gone
unmentioned until now is the
impact of our peers on our image.