Mass Media and Its Role in Eating Disorders: The Impact of Unrealistic Standards

Authored by Mandy Kryzsiak, BA, MSS Candidate and The Understory Group Intern

In today's society, mass media undeniably shapes our perceptions of beauty, success, and identity. From television and movies to social media platforms, the images we see daily can profoundly impact how we view ourselves and others. This influence is particularly significant when it comes to body image and the development of eating disorders. The portrayal of "ideal" body types in mass media, often unrealistic and unattainable, can contribute to negative self-perception, poor body image, and unhealthy behaviors surrounding food and weight.

The Power of Mass Media in Shaping Beauty Standards

Mass media has long been a powerful tool in shaping cultural norms and expectations. Historically, images of women (and increasingly men) in advertising, magazines, and films were often carefully curated to reflect an ideal that was not only out of reach for most people but also unrealistic regarding health. For instance, the 'size zero' trend in the fashion industry or the digitally altered images of celebrities in magazines. Thinness, toned physiques, and flawless skin have long been associated with beauty and success, leading many to internalize these images as standards to strive toward. The frequent repetition of such imagery helps reinforce the notion that these characteristics define worth, attractiveness, and social value.

This focus on physical appearance is particularly harmful to young people, who are still developing their sense of self. Adolescents and young adults are highly impressionable, and exposure to mass media can profoundly influence their self-esteem and self-worth. For example, research has shown that young girls who consume a lot of media featuring thin models or celebrities are more likely to express dissatisfaction with their own bodies and engage in dieting behaviors. As these portrayals are often unrealistic, they create a cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction, sometimes leading to extreme measures to achieve a body type that is not attainable for most.

Social Media and the Rise of the "Perfect" Image

While traditional forms of mass media (like TV and print) have been influential, the advent of social media has amplified the pressure to conform to specific beauty standards. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filled with photos and videos of influencers, celebrities, and everyday individuals who showcase highly edited, filtered, or curated versions of themselves. These platforms often promote images that adhere to idealized beauty, including super-thin bodies, perfectly sculpted features, and unrealistic lifestyles.

The problem with social media is that it fosters a culture of constant comparison. Unlike traditional media, where there's a clear distinction between content creators and the audience, social media blurs these lines, creating an environment of perpetual self-evaluation. The proliferation of 'fitspiration' accounts, beauty influencers, and diet trends can normalize unhealthy practices, such as extreme calorie restriction, excessive exercise, or disordered eating habits, leading to a toxic cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction.

Studies have shown that social media use, mainly when it involves engagement with images of highly edited or unrealistic portrayals of beauty, can negatively affect body image and self-esteem. The pressure to curate a perfect online persona, to gain likes and followers, can encourage behaviors like dieting, weight loss attempts, or even more severe forms of disordered eating.

The Impact of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder—are complex mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-worth. While many factors contribute to the development of eating disorders, mass media plays a significant role in fueling the narrative that thinness is the key to beauty, success, and happiness.

Eating disorders are not just about food; they are deeply intertwined with societal pressures and cultural ideals. For example, the emphasis on thinness in media can create feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and fear of judgment, all of which can fuel restrictive eating behaviors. For those already vulnerable to eating disorders, these pressures can act as triggers that worsen symptoms and increase the severity of the disorder.

While mass media can contribute to the development of eating disorders, it is not the sole cause. Genetics, psychological factors, family dynamics, and societal influences also play essential roles. However, the media certainly provides the backdrop against which these issues are played out.

Challenging Beauty Standards and Promoting Healthy Body Image

In recent years, a growing movement has been toward more inclusive and diverse representations of body types in the media. Brands, influencers, and TV shows have embraced a broader range of body shapes, sizes, and appearances. This shift is a welcome change, as it challenges the narrow standards of beauty that have dominated for decades. For example, Dove's 'Real Beauty' campaign features real women of all shapes, sizes, and ages, challenging the traditional beauty standards. The rise of body-positive influencers on social media, who share their unfiltered and unedited images, also aims to promote self-love and acceptance, encouraging individuals to embrace their bodies rather than aspiring to an unrealistic ideal.

At the same time, there is still much work to be done. While the conversation expands to include more diverse representations, the ideal of thinness persists in many areas of mass media. The pressure to conform to these standards remains a significant factor in the development of eating disorders. However, advocating for change, both in terms of the media we consume and the media we create, is a powerful tool for fostering a culture of acceptance and body positivity. It's essential for each of us to play our part in this movement.

Conclusion

Mass media, whether through traditional outlets like TV and magazines or modern platforms like Instagram and TikTok, exerts a powerful influence on how we see ourselves and others. The constant exposure to narrow, often unrealistic beauty standards can contribute to the development of eating disorders, especially among vulnerable individuals. However, there is hope. As the conversation around body image evolves, more media outlets are beginning to embrace diversity and promote healthier, more realistic depictions of beauty.

By challenging these standards, promoting media literacy, and fostering a culture of acceptance and self-love, we can begin to undo the harmful impact mass media has had on our relationship with food, body image, and mental health. Understanding how the media shapes our perceptions and being critical of the messages it sends is a crucial step in this journey.