Thirty years ago, television news correspondents all over the world sent electronic news feed from their locations. The feed could take weeks or even months to communicate what was happening halfway around the globe. With the technological advances in our society today, the media has been one of the largest influences on people, especially for the younger generations. Television, radio, magazines, and internet play a massive role in spreading information to our society. The low standards of the media can be damaging to young developing minds, and should be closely monitored and controlled.
First of all, the way media portrays the body image of men and women is starting to effect children at a shockingly young age. It starts with action figures being well built, and Barbie dolls having perfect proportions. Teenagers see well-built men and women in magazines and on reality television shows and they begin believing that these are the characteristics one should obtain in order to be considered "good looking." The National Institute on Media and Family conducted a study on fifth graders, ten year old girls and boys told researchers they were dissatisfied with their own bodies after watching a music video by Britney Spears or a clip from the television show "Friends" (Gentile 168).Adolescent's mental perception of what they look like can become distorted, leading them to engage in risky behaviors when they feel they don't measure up to the impossible goal set in front of them. Self-image issues can lead to lowering their self-esteem, eating disorders, and some teenagers are undergoing plastic surgery to have the perfect body.
Furthermore, there are no perfect solutions for helping our youth understand that people come in all shapes and sizes. First of all, parents have a responsibility to talk with their children about the adverse media messages; and how to start a healthy lifestyle.