The Media Effects Theory states that exposure to thin ideals in the media are an important contributor to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in women. Exposure to thin images in the media may prime body dissatisfaction. Viewing a thin image in the media reminds the viewer of the mating competition that takes place in real life. This means that when we view the media and we see thin people, some of us are reminded of the concept of dating and marriage. We are reminded that potential mates are looking for someone they are interested in and are attracted to. There are people with all different body type preferences, but because we are trained to think that thin is beautiful, some do not think about all of the men and women who want someone that is of average size or a little bigger.
The Internet can have many and huge effects on body dissatisfaction, especially in younger women. One example of this is social networking sites. These sites target a younger crowd, allowing them to post pictures and comments. These are open for others to view, and since these people are not all necessarily close with that person, they risk greater public scrutiny. Everyone has something to say and not many will be nice about it. For young people who are still trying to find themselves, this could be detrimental to their body image.
An issue related to this is cyber bullying. "Cyber-bullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones" (stopcyberbullying.com). this has led to instances of violence and suicide. The need for acceptance along with the ease of internet access has in some instances led to young girls posting provocative photos on their social networking sites. The perceived anonymity behind a computer screen makes it seem safe, though the risks are huge. Since the internet is so widespread, it is very easy for a photo to be sent to everyone in just a day.
Another issue on the internet that can lead to body dissatisfaction is Pro Anorexia sites, also known as Pro Ana. These are websites and chat rooms used exclusively to share and promote eating disorders. “These sites often glorify thinness and classify anorexia and bulimia as a lifestyle, not a disease”(Morris, 2010). Young girls can be drawn to the site out of curiosity and then be amazed at how glamorous it all looks. The websites can give the girls tips, techniques, and thinspiration. Thinspiration are a collection of images of unnaturally thin women in order to keep them on track. These types of websites can ruin young women’s body images and cause them to harm themselves in order to look like the women on these sites.
The Internet can have many and huge effects on body dissatisfaction, especially in younger women. One example of this is social networking sites. These sites target a younger crowd, allowing them to post pictures and comments. These are open for others to view, and since these people are not all necessarily close with that person, they risk greater public scrutiny. Everyone has something to say and not many will be nice about it. For young people who are still trying to find themselves, this could be detrimental to their body image.
An issue related to this is cyber bullying. "Cyber-bullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones" (stopcyberbullying.com). this has led to instances of violence and suicide. The need for acceptance along with the ease of internet access has in some instances led to young girls posting provocative photos on their social networking sites. The perceived anonymity behind a computer screen makes it seem safe, though the risks are huge. Since the internet is so widespread, it is very easy for a photo to be sent to everyone in just a day.
Another issue on the internet that can lead to body dissatisfaction is Pro Anorexia sites, also known as Pro Ana. These are websites and chat rooms used exclusively to share and promote eating disorders. “These sites often glorify thinness and classify anorexia and bulimia as a lifestyle, not a disease”(Morris, 2010). Young girls can be drawn to the site out of curiosity and then be amazed at how glamorous it all looks. The websites can give the girls tips, techniques, and thinspiration. Thinspiration are a collection of images of unnaturally thin women in order to keep them on track. These types of websites can ruin young women’s body images and cause them to harm themselves in order to look like the women on these sites.