strategies for Becoming a Critical Viewer of the
Media
Media messages about body shape and size will affect the
way we feel about ourselves and our bodies only if we let
them. One of the ways we can protect our self-esteem and
body image from the media’s often narrow definitions of
beauty and acceptability is to become a critical viewer of the
media messages we are bombarded with each day. When we
effectively recognize and analyze the media messages that
influence us, we remember that the media’s definitions of
beauty and success do not have to define our self-image or
potential..
All media images and messages are constructions. They
are NOT reflections of reality. Advertisements and other
media messages have been carefully crafted with an intent
to send a very specific message.
Advertisements are created to do one thing: convince you
to buy or support a specific product or service.
To convince you to buy a specific product or service,
advertisers will often construct an emotional experience
that looks like reality. Remember, you are only seeing what
the advertisers want you to see.
Advertisers create their message based on what they think
you will want to see and what they think will affect you and
compel you to buy their product. Just because they think
their approach will work with people like you doesn’t mean
it has to work with you as an individual.
As individuals, we decide how to experience the media
messages we encounter. We can choose to use a filter that
helps us understand what the advertiser wants us to think
or believe and then choose whether we want to think or
believe that message. We can choose a filter that protects
our self-esteem and body image.
PORTFOLIO OUTPUT NO. 12: MEDIA INFLUENCES (HOW ADS AFFECTED
MY SELF-ESTEEM)
Name some ads that appear on TV, billboards, the internet
What messages do these ads give to middle adolescents like you?
How have these ads affected your lifestyle, self-esteem, and values?
How has this lesson changed your perception about ads?
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Does any of this sound familiar? “I’m too tall.” “I’m too
short.” “I’m too skinny.” “If only I were
shorter/taller/had curly hair/straight hair/a smaller
nose/longer legs, I’d be happy.”
Are you putting yourself down? If so, you’re not alone.
As a teen, you’re going through lots of changes in your
body. And, as your body changes, so does your image of
yourself. It’s not always easy to like every part of your
looks, but when you get stuck on the negatives it can
really bring down your self-esteem.
Why Are Self-Esteem and
Body Image Important?
Self-esteem is all about how much you feel you are
worth — and how much you feel other people value
you. Self-esteem is important because feeling good about
yourself can affect your mental health and how you behave.
People with high self-esteem know themselves well. They’re
realistic and find friends that like and appreciate them for who
they are. People with high self-esteem usually feel more in
control of their lives and know their own strengths and
weaknesses.
Body image is how you view your
physical self — including whether you
feel you are attractive and whether
others like your looks. For many people,
especially people in their early teens, body
image can be closely linked to self-esteem
What Influences a Person’s Self-
Esteem?
Puberty and Development
Some people struggle with their self-esteem and body
image when they begin puberty because it’s a time when
the body goes through many changes. These changes,
combined with wanting to feel accepted by our friends,
means it can be tempting to compare ourselves with
others. The trouble with that is, not everyone grows or
develops at the same time or in the same way.
Media Images and Other Outside Influences
Our tweens and early teens are a time when
we become more aware of celebrities and
media images — as well as how other kids
look and how we fit in. We might start to
compare ourselves with other people or media
images (“ideals” that are frequently
airbrushed). All of this can affect how we feel
about ourselves and our bodies even as we
grow into our teens.
Families and School
Family life can sometimes influence our body image.
Some parents or coaches might be too focused on looking
a certain way or “making weight” for a sports team.
Family members might struggle with their own body
image or criticize their kids’ looks (“why do you wear
your hair so long?” or “how come you can’t wear pants
that fit you?”). This can all influence a person’s self-
esteem, especially if they’re sensitive to others peoples’
comments.
Common Eating Disorders
Anorexia. People with anorexia
eat very little on purpose. This leads to a very low body
weight.
have an intense fear of weight gain. They fear looking
fat.
have a distorted body image. They see themselves as
fat even when they are very thin.
People with anorexia are very strict
about what and how much they will
eat. They may think about food or
calories almost all the time.
To lose weight, some people with
anorexia fast or exercise too much.
Others may use laxatives, diuretics
(water pills), or enemas.
Bulimia. People with bulimia:
overeat and feel out of control to stop. This is
called binge eating.
do things to make up make up for overeating. They
may make themselves throw up on purpose after they
overeat. This is called purging. To prevent weight gain
they may use laxatives, diuretics, weight loss pills, fast,
or exercise a lot.
judge themselves based on body shape and weight
People with bulimia eat much more (during a set
period of time) than most people would. If a
person regularly binges and purges, it may be a
sign of bulimia. Unlike people with anorexia who
are very low weight, people with bulimia may be
thin, average weight, or overweight. People with
bulimia often hide their eating and purging from
others.
THANK YOU!!
SUBMITTED BY:
CRISTEPANIE SENADOR
