The Effect of Social Media on Body Image and Eating Disorders Essay Example
Approximately 8,000,000 Americans are currently impacted by an eating disorder, creating a spreading epidemic in the United States. Additionally, half of all Americans have personal connections to individuals within this group.
According to Mysouthernhealth.com, a vast majority (approximately 95%) of individuals in a specific region of America fall within the age range of 12 to 25. This particular demographic is highly susceptible to influence, as noted by Mysouthernhealth.com. Given that statista.com reports that 77% of all Americans have social media accounts and spend substantial time on these platforms, it becomes crucial to recognize their impact on body image and eating habits. The link between social media and body image concerns, particularly among those aged 12-25, cannot be ignored. Regrettably, this issue often goes unaddressed due to society's reluctance to discuss it, resulting in no progress being made. However, it is esse
...ntial to understand that lives are being lost due to eating disorders. Surprisingly, Mysouthernhealth.com reveals that approximately 18-20% of individuals diagnosed with Anorexia die within two decades. To counteract this dangerous trend, we must find effective methods of intervention. Social media—defined by en.oxforddictionaries.com as "websites and applications allowing users to generate and share content or engage in social networking"—plays a significant role.
Social media is a widely accessible online networking tool with both positive and negative aspects. It is inclusive, allowing anyone to use it. However, this inclusivity also leads to a drawback: brands and public figures take advantage of social media to promote their products and services. They often use highly edited images of models to create a specific image or mindset in potential consumers. This trend of selling a particular lifestyle, typically associated with bein
slim, has become very popular. Unfortunately, this can be harmful for young individuals who admire these brands or public figures.
According to a study conducted by Kristen Harrison and Joanne Cantor for the Journal of Communication, Volume 47, Issue 1, individuals connect their desired lifestyle with a specific appearance. This leads them to believe that in order to achieve that lifestyle, they must present themselves and look a certain way.
In the research published on pages 40-67 of the journal, the authors examine how social media use is related to symptoms of eating disorders and dissatisfaction with body image in college women. They conduct an experiment introducing the concept of TDP media (thinness-depicting and promoting media). This type of media is widespread globally and viewers often adopt it without consciously realizing it.
The experiment involves exposing one group of college women to TDP media while another group is exposed to social media content featuring women with different body shapes. The findings indicate that women exposed to TDP media experience dissatisfaction with their bodies, desire for thinness, and show signs of eating disorders.
To compound the pressure of adopting detrimental eating habits or disorders, a similar investigation was carried out on college-aged men. The investigation entailed exposing one group of men to TDP media targeted towards males, while the other group was exposed to various representations of male body types. The investigation revealed that the men exposed to TDP over an extended duration developed a preference for personal fitness and dieting, as well as a more discerning approach towards selecting a partner. This further exacerbates the societal pressure to adopt unhealthy eating habits, driven by the influence of social media.
The
conclusion of the experiment stated that exposure to TDP media is linked to an increase in eating disorder symptoms (K. Harrison, J. Cantor). Several other scholarly sources have also reached this same conclusion.
Research conducted by Vittoria Franchina and Gianluca Lo Coco for the International Journal Psychoanalysis and Education has found that social media greatly affects how young people perceive themselves, especially in terms of body image. The accessibility of images on social media platforms is a key factor behind this negative impact. Because individuals always have their phones with them, whether at school or work, they are constantly exposed to idealized body images, which can influence them wherever they are.
Lauren Berninger argues in her Huffington Post article that people will persist in carrying their phones despite attempts to discourage them. To tackle this problem, Berninger proposes parents educate their children early on about the artificial nature of social media and its disconnect from reality. Although it is crucial to recognize that individuals on social media frequently portray an idealized version of themselves, research indicates that it can still influence body perception and lead to unhealthy eating patterns. Consequently, the question arises as to how this influence can be mitigated.
In an article published in the Journal of Social Issues, J. Kevin Thompson and Leslie J. Heinburg discuss how social media amplifies the societal problem of pressuring young individuals to conform to the "ideal" body standard. Although society holds ultimate responsibility for this issue, social media plays a significant role in perpetuating these detrimental norms. The authors highlight ongoing efforts by researchers to develop intervention strategies aimed at challenging and countering these harmful perspectives.
According to J. Kevin
Thompson and Leslie J. Heinburg, effective approaches for addressing the problems caused by social media include social activism and social marketing. They argue that social media has the potential to be both the cause and the solution to these problems, but only if the right individuals actively work towards finding a solution. Thompson and Heinburg conclude their recommendations by stating that the media itself can serve as a channel for promoting positive, truthful, and less glamorous messages about eating disorders and body image issues.
To tackle the problems related to the impact of social media on eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, it is vital for both individuals and brands/influencers to be genuine in their online presence. The combination of social media usage and thinness-promoting media has been associated with body dissatisfaction and an increased likelihood of developing eating disorders among young people aged 12-25. Although this issue is growing, there is also a rising number of individuals and organizations who are using social media to challenge these harmful societal ideals that affect youth. They recognize the significance of reducing the promotion of unachievable body standards that have a negative impact on self-image. While social media can have a positive influence, its effectiveness relies on responsible individuals utilizing these platforms to combat detrimental societal norms prevalent among today's youth.
