Introduction

I'm Nicole, and this is a blog for a portion of my graduation project.

Mission Statement

This blog is a component of a project to create body positive social media to inform and enlighten the community on the impacts of modern social media in an attempt to help society be more body positive and stand up against negative impacts. This project is more than just a grade for school, its a chance for me to hopefully make a small change in something I am passionate about.

Introduction to the Media's Effects on Society and Distorted Body Image

Body image is the way one sees his or herself and how they think while looking in the mirror; this doesn't necessarily mean that they see what is actually there.

Nearly seventy-five percent of Americans consider themselves overweight when, in reality, only twenty-five are (Media and Eating Disorders).

Today, social media rules modern society. We sit here with our iPhones and laptops not knowing the effects its having on us. The media has an extravagant effect on people in American society and how they view themselves. With strong thanks to things like social networking and television our perception of beauty has been distorted. This distortion of body image is detrimental to personal development and, while leading to things like eating disorders, its detrimental to our overall well being.

In today's society, expectations are so high that it may cause someone to develop an eating disorder, which can lead to low self-esteem, depression, drug abuse and in severe situations, even death.

The media today is a direct result of a society based upon the looks of "perfection". The media is something that people look to for approval and support, but considering the fact that most of it is either not real or the source of negativity concerning body image, results may be disturbing.

The media is portraying the idea that they should be "perfect", or they will not fit into society. The pressure is astronomical and over the years, it has gotten much worse. For some people, looks may even be their first priority, this being a characteristic of an eating disorder.

There are two main eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder caused by a distorted body image where one's intense fear of gaining weight leads to his or her refusal to maintain a healthy body weight. People suffering with Anorexia will go to extremes to avoid gaining weight such as exercising too much, starving themselves or abusing drugs.

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by some of the very similar characteristics as Anorexia. Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder also caused by a distorted body image, characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by frantic attempts to lose weight. Someone suffering with Bulimia may most likely also be suffering with Anorexia.

With all of the factors and pressures in the modern media, it may be easy for one to develop an eating disorder. Things like "perfect" models and actresses, advertisements and unrealistic expectations are just some of the pressures American citizens face in the media today.