Where does self-esteem come from? Are some of us born with higher self-esteem than others? Is it something we can control or is it out of our reach? Below are articles that discuss self-image, self-worth, self-esteem, and how the media can manipulate an individual's view of their personal image.
In J. Maureen Henderson's articles on Forbes, Henderson discusses the impact social media has on one's self-esteem. Henderson states that woman are more likely than men to blog and use sites such as Pinterest and Tumblr. That said, Henderson questions social media's impact on one's self image. For example, on Pinterest and Tumblr, individuals can create "boards" that represent their "ideal" body, clothing, men/women, and life in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Boards like this can either motivate individuals to change their lives to fit their "dream life," or cause persons to simply live within their online fantasy world, in turn negatively judging their own lives. However, University of Buffalo states that "there is a lack of concrete research data linking consumption of online media and negative adult female self-image." In other words, not enough research has been done to conclude a correlation between negative self-images and social media.
So, what do you think? Are Tumblr and Pinterest causing us to live in an idealized world, or are those sites motivating individuals to change their lives?
ABC Action News: Facebook, for many, has turned into a popularity contest; the judging is based on number of friends and likes/comments on statuses and photos. In 2012, there have been numerous studies done solely on Facebook's effects on self-image. Some results state Facebook increases self-esteem while others argue that it actually causes something called "Facebook depression. Numerous individuals have even "quit" Facebook to escape the barraging of scrutiny that accompanies social media profiles. Before social media took off, individuals would see the "ideal body" in the form of movie stars, advertisements, and billboards. But in 2012, the "ideal body" can be found on Facebook, Pinterest, and Tumblr causing individuals to compare themselves to persons who "exist in the real world."
Female Body Image and the Mass Media
Body dissatisfaction is common among all women young and old and stems from what we consider our body image to be. According to Westminster College, body image is the perception and feelings towards one's body and therefore physical appearance. Both men and women are more likely to believe their body is not the "ideal body" if they show dysfunctional beliefs about their physical appearance. The article discusses numerous theories on why and how women's self images are impacted from the media. In the end, it concludes that women's self-images are directly impacted by the views and standards the mass media sets.
Thinspo on Tumblr, Pinterest: Can Social Networks Stop It?
"Thinspiration" pages are becoming more and more popular on pages such as Tumblr or Pinterest. These pages provide visual inspiration and motivation to viewers. These pages are very similar to pro-anorexia pages, however many argue that they are motivating viewers to become more physically active, rather than deprive the body to meet a standard of beauty. Images include fit, toned and incredibly skinny women in bathing suits or athletic wear; sometimes motivational quotes are provided to help fuel the viewer's desire to become skinnier. The question now is how do we stop "thinspiration" pages. The content is compiled of models, artist's work, and self-portraits making it difficult to ban the images. However, some people are attempting to ban "thinspiration" pages from being created in the first place.
Curious what "Thinspiration" pages consist of? Check out some here and decide for yourself: should "Thinspiration" pages be banned?
Can you differentiate between "Thinspiration" pages and pro-anorexia pages?
Female Body Image and the Mass Media
Body dissatisfaction is common among all women young and old and stems from what we consider our body image to be. According to Westminster College, body image is the perception and feelings towards one's body and therefore physical appearance. Both men and women are more likely to believe their body is not the "ideal body" if they show dysfunctional beliefs about their physical appearance. The article discusses numerous theories on why and how women's self images are impacted from the media. In the end, it concludes that women's self-images are directly impacted by the views and standards the mass media sets.
Thinspo on Tumblr, Pinterest: Can Social Networks Stop It?
"Thinspiration" pages are becoming more and more popular on pages such as Tumblr or Pinterest. These pages provide visual inspiration and motivation to viewers. These pages are very similar to pro-anorexia pages, however many argue that they are motivating viewers to become more physically active, rather than deprive the body to meet a standard of beauty. Images include fit, toned and incredibly skinny women in bathing suits or athletic wear; sometimes motivational quotes are provided to help fuel the viewer's desire to become skinnier. The question now is how do we stop "thinspiration" pages. The content is compiled of models, artist's work, and self-portraits making it difficult to ban the images. However, some people are attempting to ban "thinspiration" pages from being created in the first place.
Curious what "Thinspiration" pages consist of? Check out some here and decide for yourself: should "Thinspiration" pages be banned?
Can you differentiate between "Thinspiration" pages and pro-anorexia pages?
- Thinspiration Pictures on Blogspot
- Get-Thin Tumblr
- Skinny Inspiration
- Skinny Gossip Slams Kate Upton for Being "Fat"
What do you think? Motivational or are we allowing women (and men) to harm their bodies in order to gain what they consider an "ideal body?"
