Media's Effect on Body Image
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| Body Dissatisfaction at Young Ages |
Social comparisons have been connected to the development of body dissatisfaction among many adolescents and even adults, however, no one is examining these relations among young children. Within the article, "Children's Body Image and Social Comparisons with Peers and the Media" it is said that as young as six and seven years of age, children demonstrate body dissatisfaction, which includes the want to become thinner and more muscular. Social comparisons are integral in the development of children and their experience in learning social information and it is also important on the implications on their mental health and positive self-esteem (Tatangelo and Ricciardelli).
There is a social comparison theory that proposes "that individuals process social information and evaluate themselves by making comparisons with others," (Tatangelo and Ricciardelli). Around later childhood or after the age of seven years old, social comparisons become more used which causes the decline in positive self-concepts and the increase of body dissatisfaction. Media celebrities are most likely to be the individuals who are used for social comparisons as children are becoming more exposed to the media's portrayal of the ideal body image.
As a child growing up, I rarely watched TV, I was outside playing with my friends most of the day. So for me, I was not as exposed to what children are exposed to know a days. Within this new generation of young kids, they mostly stay inside watching TV or playing video games which exposes them to many opportunities of social comparisons. And these children grew up with social media, at a young age they might have started using social media which could have caused them to create social comparisons from a young age. To me, it is the way one is brought up and if they spend more time in front of a TV or on social media rather than spending more time outside or away from technology. Technology is very powerful, it has is perks but it also has many downfalls for its users.
Works Cited:
Tatangelo, Gemma L, and Lina A Ricciardelli. “Children’s Body Image and Social Comparisons with Peers and the Media.” Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 22, no. 6, 2017, pp. 776–787, SAGE Publications, journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.uwsp.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/1359105315615409
Very insightful post on how body image affects people at a young age. The usage of a scientific, peer reviewed journal really helped to make the case that psychology has a large role in determining exactly how people feel and why. I too grew up playing outside most of the time and agree that newer generations of kids don't have enough natural stimulation and this may effect them negatively in terms of social interaction.
ReplyDeleteI too was outside for most of my childhood. I never really cared about my body image back then. Now, even though we are are no longer children, we are still harmed by the negative thoughts provoked by the media. I do not have younger siblings, but if I did I would connect more with this issue. Your topic has great evidence and is very relevant.
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