Completed Comm Research Project.doc

Running Head: A THIN LINE BETWEEN REALITY: THE MEDIA’S EFFECT ON BODY

IMAGE

A Thin Line Between Reality: The Media’s Effect on Body Image

Alecia Coutain, Max Kaczynski, Sabrina Simpson

Queens University of Charlotte – COMM 320

Contact Email: [email protected]

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 4

LITERATURE REVIEW 4

SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY 4SOCIAL COMPARISON THEORY 7INFLUENCES OF MEDIA 8MEDIA: TELEVISION & MAGAZINES 9

METHODOLOGY 11

SURVEY OBJECTIVE 11PARTICIPANTS 11FOCUS GROUPS 11ANALYSIS 12RESEARCH SUB QUESTIONS 12HYPOTHESIS 12

RESULTS 12

ANALYSIS 15

CONCLUSION 19

CONCLUSION 19LIMITATIONS 19FUTURE FINDINGS 21

APPENDICES 22

APPENDIX A: 22APPENDIX B: 24

References 25

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Abstract

In the media there is an ideal image of how people should look. This image is someone with

an ultra-thin or muscular frame and flawless features. Different forms of media such as magazine

advertisements and television commercials use this typical appearance to promote their brand

image. However, the standard image that is being portrayed may have detrimental affects on

individuals trying to attain this look. This paper will explore theories relating to this topic

including social cognitive theory and social comparison theory, as well as information that has

been researched in previous studies. The more time spent exposed to various forms of media

such as commercials, magazines, and advertisements may create dissatisfaction with one’s body

image. Through a series of focus groups conducted among undergraduate college students, ages

18-24, this issue will be further examined to see if there is a relationship between one’s body

image and the media’s portrayal of the perfect body. The focus groups were asked a series of

open-ended questions about the following topics: their view on body image, personal media

consumption, personal comparison to images in the media, and the affects media has on their

perception of body image.

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Introduction

In American culture, the media is omnipresent and seems to be a daily and interactive part

of many people’s lives. From the constant interaction, individuals are becoming more concerned

about their body image as they compare themselves to what the media is showing. Body image is

defined as, “The perceptions, attitudes, emotions, and personality reactions of the individual in

relation to his [or her] own body” (Lau et. al, 2006). Due to the growing obesity epidemic that is

affecting many Americans, individuals may become dissatisfied with their body image because it

may not compare to the body types that are displayed in the media. Body image dissatisfaction is

defined as, “The underlying shame and physical self-perceptions that may serve as precursors to

clinical problems” (Levin & Murrrain 2006). The media can have psychological, emotional, and

physical effects on its readers. Some of the extreme effects of internalizing the body images that

appear in the media are eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, or other effects such as

over exercising. With these facts presented, we studied whether or not the media has any

negative affect on one’s body image. Though Americans have come to the realization that the

body images portrayed in the media may be a fictitious display of reality, we assert that the

media does not have any negative affect on the body image.

Literature Review

Social Cognitive Theory

One theory that applies to the idea of body image is Social Cognitive theory, which takes

more of a phenomenologist approach to the reader’s response to a text. Social cognitive theory,

“Views behavior, cognitions, biological and environmental influences as each affecting and

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being affected by the other. [In other words] people are products and producers of their own

environment” (Hendricks, 2002, pg. 115). In a world where people are bombarded by an

unrealistic, yet idealized body image, the repetition of seeing such images will affect the way

that people act and think. According to Bandura’s social cognitive theory, there are four

capabilities that affect the way the individuals’ abilities to learn different behaviors, and they are:

“The ability to symbolize, self-regulation, self-reflect, and observational learning/learning

vicariously” (Hendricks, 2002, pg. 115). In any culture, individuals assign meanings to symbols.

Through the repetition of these symbols, learning occurs. As seen in the media (specifically

television and magazines), most of the models seen selling various products are grotesquely

thin. From seeing these constant symbols of beauty and idealized body image, individuals are

slowly being brainwashed into believing that there is only one body shape and they need to strive

to be like these waif-like models.

Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s behavior. The more self-regulation one has,

the more control they have over their actions. Those that have high levels of self-regulation are

more likely to try to conform to the media’s standard of beauty, as opposed to those who have

low self-regulation and are unable and unwilling to meet the portrayed standard of beauty

(Hendricks, 2002, pg. 115). A factor that plays into self-regulation is self-efficacy which is

defined as, “The belief in one’s ability to affectively perform a behavior; it affects the goals that

individuals place on themselves” (Hendricks, 2002, pg. 115). For example, if a reader of a text

such as Glamour magazine sees the skinny models in the text, they will set a goal of losing ten

pounds within a month. Though this goal may be challenging, these readers will relentlessly

strive to lose that weight in order to reach their goal of looking like the model(s); this type of

reader displays a high level of self-regulation. On the contrary, a significant portion of the

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American population has a sense of low self-regulation. The reasoning behind this can be

laziness, but many Americans are aware that the images portrayed in the media are an unrealistic

depiction of reality, therefore, they are unwilling, and some unable, to look like the models in the

media.

Another factor that affects the individual’s ability to learn is self-reflection, which is the

ability to decipher accurate and flawed thought processes. Generally speaking, the media does a

superb job at slowly disintegrating at the normal thought processes of the individual. Many

medical researchers have shown that the body image that is in the media is unrealistic and

unhealthy (Hendricks, 2002, pg.116). The media is one-dimensional in the fact that it

predominantly shows only one body type, which is slender. In addition to this, it communicates

to the audience that that specific body type is desired, realistic, and attainable, though it is not. If

people know that what they see on television, in magazines, or other forms of media is not real,

they will be less likely to compare themselves and strive for such a fictitious portrayal of beauty.

Lastly, vicarious learning also affects behavioral cognitions. Vicarious learning occurs

through the observations and actions of others and noting the consequences of such behavior.

When people watch and observe different forms of media, they model their behavior after what

they have seen or learned. Observational learning, which is a part of vicarious learning, is an

ongoing, multi-step process that requires a lot of time. The first part of this process is paying

attention and identifying with a model. When viewers interact with different forms of media

such as television or magazines, they may have an acclamation to a certain celebrity (model) for

various reasons. Because of these reasons, individuals will pay close attention to these models

and live vicariously through them. The next step in this process is, “Perceiving the noted

behavior as producing desired results (Hendricks, 2002, pg. 116). When the observer notices

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that this model receives accolades or rewards for a particular behavior, then the observer will

then take the necessary steps to mimic that behavior. Overall, the Social Cognitive theory

accounts for how people learn and internalize the body images that are displayed in the media.

Social Comparison Theory

Social comparison theory is an important theory to consider when exploring body image

and the media. This theory argues that when a person is continually exposed to an idealized

image, it will lead them to compare themselves to that image, sometimes even unconsciously

(Veldhuis, 2010). The image of a perfect individual portrayed in the media is petite for women

and brawny for men. They compare themselves to these models, which can lead to negative

feelings and actions. In Leon Festinger’s study, A Theory of Social Comparison Processes,

(1954) one of his hypotheses was that people evaluate their opinions and abilities by comparison

with the opinions and abilities of others. He supports this by giving an example of asking who

measures intelligence. It is only subjective judgments of others opinions that influences how

intelligence is measured, which is done by comparing.

One study about Visual Ethics (Reaves, 2011) discusses how comparison is similar to

social rank in animal behavior (interior-superior, weaker-stronger, upward-downward) and

humans use this social rank judgment naturally. “They observed that reciprocal altruism and

exchange suggest social comparison theory as individuals monitor the exchange of favors and

compare themselves in terms of giving and receiving” (Reaves, 2011, p. 122). Comparing is

done in every aspect of life, and it can be a very constructive mechanism when the comparison is

to something clearly unattainable such as the standard of beauty in American society. In Reaves’

Rethinking Visual Ethics, he describes the following:

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Festinger’s landmark cognitive balance theory postulated that people have ‘the drive to

evaluate their opinions and abilities’ by comparing self to another of similar ability and

rank. Self-esteem increases when an individual compared favorably, but anger and

frustration increase when self-comparison to another is evaluated downward. When

cognitive balance theory is applied to body image, multiple studies have found that the

greater the social comparison of media images, the greater subsequent body

dissatisfaction (Reaves, 2011, p. 122).

Comparing body image sometimes leads to negative things such as depression, or even more

serious acts such as diseases like Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and sometimes suicide. According

to the American Medical Association, disorders have doubled since 1960. (Reaves, 2011).

“Dramatic numbers illustrate a media disconnect: Models wear size 00 in a country where 32%

of schoolchildren are classified as overweight or obese (Tomaselli, 2008; Parker-Pope, 2008);

models weigh 23% less than the average woman, while a generation ago the gap [between the

average woman and model] was 8% (Ambjornsson, 2005; Wolf, 2001).” (Reaves, 2011, p. 124).

These staggering statistics show that there is a major disconnect between reality and the media.

Influences of Media

Levine and Murrain (2009) suggest “Surveys and qualitative studies should find that,

beginning at the age where they can think critically about themselves in relation to personal and

outside influences, children and adolescents will report that mass media are sources of influence,

and even pressure, on themselves, their peers, and others (p. 13).” Exposure to media creates an

ideal image that people tend to believe. Levine and Murrain (2009) state “People of all ages

select and use media for many purposes, including entertainment and distractions, but also

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exploration of significant developmental issues pertaining to curiosity, education, popularity,

identity, gender roles, and sexuality” (p. 14). Turning to media solves the exploration of the

developmental issues in younger children. If the media is misrepresenting the truth, then people

will continue to be misled. Today, media continues to mislead people with the idea of

attractiveness. Jefferson and Stake (2009) state , “Interviews with EA [European Americans]

adolescent girls have revealed that, although they recognize that the beauty ideals depicted in

magazines are very difficult if not impossible to achieve, they nevertheless feel a strong pressure

to conform to those ideals and experience negative feelings when they fail to do so” (p. 398).

Levine and Murrain (2009) explain that, “There is a wealth of evidence from content

analyses that the ideal female body showcased on television, in movies, in magazines, and on the

internet reflects the proposition that ‘thin is normative and attractive’” (p. 15). How can people

be happy with themselves if the media continues to portray the wrong image? Lau et al. (2006)

states, “Images in the media serve as powerful tools for relaying messages of what is normal and

desirable to the general public” (p. 262). Who is to say what the average person is supposed to

look like? Discrepancies between different country’s media images are also detrimental to

human’s satisfaction with their own body image (Lau et al., 2006).

Media: Television & Magazines

Television is a great mechanism that influences people and their perception of body

image. The more time spent watching television will lead to greater body dissatisfaction (Levine

and Murrain, 2009). Lau et al. (2006) states that the average American watches 30 hours of TV

per week” (p. 261). Television not only portrays people in shows, but also inundates the viewer

with advertisements that suggest a better life-style. Magazines are also a great influence on

people’s perception of body satisfaction. Studies have proven that females who look at glamour

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magazines are more prone to having eating disorders and self-dissatisfaction (Levine and

Murrain, 2009). A study, “Revealed that almost 70% [of 550 working class girls] reported that

the ‘pictures’ in magazines have an influence on their conception of the ‘perfect body shape’”

(Levine and murrain, 2009). Pictures in Magazines are often photo shopped or airbrushed to

recreate a better, more attractive image, which in the end, is a lie.

Since the seventeenth century, men have been reading about ‘how to be a man’ (Pompper

et al, 2007). Today, the popularity of men’s magazines is one the rise and they are teaching men

how to act and look, but ultimately, it is up to the reader to decipher the validity of the different

images that are in the media. Men’s magazines, “Are segmented according to lifestyles–with a

common theme of ‘constructed certitude’ affirming male identity throughout” (Pompper et al.,

2007, p. 525). Male identity refers to masculinity and is set by what male celebrities are featured

in the media. Viewers also experience the image of a ‘supermale,’ which is portrayed as a hero

that has muscles, a v-shaped body and being healthy (Pompper et al., 2007). This attractive look

for men is ubiquitous and it is the standard that the media has set for all men to look like. The

media is pushing men to unnaturally perform and is leading to unattainable expectations.

Pompper et al., (2007) state “For every ten to fifteen females diagnosed with an eating disorder

twenty years ago, there was one male –but now that gap has closed significantly, with one male

for every four females” (p. 525). In today’s society, men are becoming increasingly obsessed

with changing their bodies to match what the media is portraying.

Methodology

Survey Objective

With this survey, we explored whether or not the American media has a negative effect

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on individuals. We argued that media does not have a negative effect on individuals whether it

be mentally, physically, or emotionally.

Participants

In order to measure whether or not the media has an effect on individuals, we took our

sample from Queens University of Charlotte students. The criteria for the students to participate

included: they had to be male or female, a Traditional Undergraduate student, and between the

ages of 18-24 years old. To find these participants, we sent out Facebook messages, asked for

volunteers in classes, and requested help from the Psychology department. To collect the needed

data, we facilitated six different focus groups that lasted for 45 - 60 minutes. The focus groups

were held in a disclosed area to measure the affects (or lack thereof) that the media has on these

students. Each member of the research held a separate focus group consisting of six to eight

individuals to try and obtain a diverse sample of college students. The focus groups were held in

November 2012, during normal school hours, under the supervision of a facilitator.

Focus Groups

As mentioned above, the focus groups lasted approximately 45 - 60 minutes. Food was

provided as a token of appreciation for their feedback. A private room was the location for each

focus group because we felt that this study was field-independent, meaning that the setting did

not have an effect on our outcome/results. During these focus groups, students were asked a

series of eight open-ended questions that measured whether or not the media has a negative

effect on them.

Analysis

The data was transcribed from the responses that we gained from the students. We used

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different methods to compile the answers to see if there was overlap in the responses. Doing so

allowed us to come up with categories to the responses. Some simple descriptive statistical

analysis was used to determine the mean, median and mode on certain questions.

Research Sub Questions

RQ1: Does the media target women more than men?

RQ2: Does the repetition of seeing images in the media affect the way people act and think?

RQ3: Does the amount of media exposure change an individual’s perception of his or her own

body image?

Hypothesis

The media does not have a negative effect on individual’s personal perception of body image.

Results

Participants were asked, “How much time do you spend with the media on a weekly

basis?” We stated that the media includes television, magazines, and advertisements. The

statistical analysis included mean, median, and mode. The mean was twenty-one hours a week,

the median was twenty hours a week, and the mode was thirty hours a week. Some participants

stated that pictures and videos in the media are more influencing than texts alone. (Refer to

Appendix A).

In the focus groups one of the questions asked was “What is an individual’s perception of

beauty?” Out of 39 participants 31 responded to this question. 70.69% of the population

responded with =answers that were non-aesthetic related such as self- confidence and

personality. A twenty-one year-old female reported, “My personal definition of beauty is related

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to vibrancy and positive energy. It is all about attitude; as long as you are okay with yourself you

will be beautiful to others”(Personal Interview, November 2012). 41.9% of women’s responses

provided non-aesthetic related answers and 29% of men also reported non-aesthetic related

answers. For personal definition of beauty out of the thirty-one responses, nine men and women

gave answers that were related to aesthetics such as slender body, well groomed, and natural

outward beauty.

The next question asked was about how the media defines beauty. Out of 34 responses 30

replied that it is solely based on outward appearance. The most reoccurring answer alluded to

exterior beauty that is unattainable or unrealistic. Many answered that the media is all about sex

appeal. A 21 year-old African-American female said, “It is all about the physical features, the

media defines beauty as being superficial. There is a lot of makeup, a lot of muscle, and a lot of

long straight hair. Beauty [defined] in the media is clearly phony, fake, and artificial” (Personal

interview, November 2012). Two respondents made a comment that beauty in the media is

dependent on the market. They went on to say that beauty on BET is portrayed with curves, light

skin, and a voluptuous behind compared to Caucasian media that usually portrays beautiful as

skinny, blonde, and blue eyes (Personal Interview, November 2012)

How the media measures up to the average individual was another question asked. The

participants had a general answer that it is very skewed and unattainable. 75% of the participants

agreed that the media is biased. One respondent said, “It is unattainable because beauty in the

media is defined through wealth and many people do not have access to funds to afford things

such as dieticians, personal chefs and trainers” (Personal Interview, 2012). Another said, “It is

not a factor because we are older and wise, we understand that media portrays a fake image, you

see what you want to see in yourself and in the media”(Personal Interview, 2012).

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The participants were also asked what types of bodies were seen and not seen in the media.

Several answered that women are lean and tall, hourglass or stick skinny, and guys are lean and

toned. Some respondents said there are rarely apple shapes or plus-sized models seen in the

media. The Kardashians and other reality shows like the Housewives series were given as

examples of how the majority of perceived images seen in the media are artificial and plastic

surgery is clearly visible. Another participant made a comment that no one is ever criticized for

being too thin. There is a lack of darker skinned African-American girls with dark hair and in

some markets they are trying to push this into the media. Several members of one focus group

agreed that there is also a lack of Middle-eastern culture. Members of another focus group said

that individuals in the media who are larger than the typical figure seen in the media are seen as

the comic relief.

We provided two examples of celebrities who were recently criticized for gaining weight,

Lady Gaga and Jessica Simpson, and asked why the media is so harsh on them. The respondents

in one focus group agreed that because they are in the media their lifestyle and look should fit the

media’s perception of beauty. One respondent gave an example and said, “Mila Kunis had to

drop over twenty pounds to play the role in Black Swan and the media condemned her for going

back to her normal weight after the movie was filmed, when that is what her normal body weight

should be” (Personal Interview, November 2012). Another respondent commented, “At the end

of the day celebrities are products and products cannot change without a response, they must

uphold the brand image” (Personal Interview, November 2012).

The next question asked was if the media had an effect on the participants personally. Out

of thirty-six respondents, 61.1% of the respondents said that the media has a positive effect on

them, and out of that population 47.22% of women reported a positive effect. Of that population

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13.88% of men recorded a positive affect from media. 11.11% of the respondents reported that

the media had negative effects on them, only 4 women recorded negative effects and no men

recorded negative effects. Out of thirty-six respondents, 27.78% responded that the media had no

effects on them, five were men and five were women.

The last question asked was if the participants compared themselves to figures in the

media. One participant said, “I know who I am and want to be, so I compare myself to who I like

and what I want. For example, I party like Ke$ha and have money like Trump” (Personal

Interview, November 2012). All participants in one focus group agreed that they always have

someone they look up to and want to be like in a healthy way.

Analysis

As stated in the beginning of the paper, our hypothesis was that the media does not have a

negative effect on individual’s personal perception of body image. The data from our research

does not support our hypothesis. In fact, the results show that media in fact has positive,

negative, and no effects on individual’s personal perception on body image. As stated in our

results, media positively affects 61.1% of the sample.

Our operational definition of positive effects includes inspiring characteristics such as

taking care of oneself through personal upkeep, self- confidence, and determination. Personal

upkeep was characterized by the sample group as grooming (i.e. eyebrow waxing, manicured

nails, shaving), exercising, eating healthy, and being aware of their outward appearance

(specifically clothing) so they can be visually appealing. Self-confidence was defined as being

comfortable in their own skin, and self-assurance that they are as beautiful as the figures they see

in the media. A respondent said, “When I look good, I feel good. Putting on a good outfit gives

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me that extra boost of confidence, and it lets me know I am putting my best foot forward”

(Personal Interview, November 2012). The last characteristic was determination, and this was

defined as making personal improvements and striving to be the best. Though many respondents

recognized that many times the image displayed by the media is fake, it still gives them a goal to

strive for, and different perspectives that they can choose from. One participant made a

comment, “I look up to Roger Federer because he is an outstanding tennis player and in

phenomenal shape. He gives me inspiration to work harder when I practice on and off the court”

(Personal Interview, November 2012).

The data also shows that the media does have a negative effect on individual’s perception

of body image. 11% of the sample shows that the media has a negative effect, and all of these

were women. Our sample’s operational definitions of negative attributes include negative self-

judgment, pressure, and insecurity. Out of the 11% that reported negative effects they stated that

they judge themselves when viewing the media that contains beautiful models. Though they

know that there is a pressure to be thin exists, they quickly get over the temporary feelings of

sadness, frustration, and disgusts because they know that the images portrayed in the media have

been severely altered to put forth a false, flawless image.

There were also no affects from the media. The respondents that had no affect from the

media did not use it as a source to define personal body image. This feeling of contentment came

from knowing that what the media puts out is rarely ever the truth or an accurate picture of

reality. The respondents that claimed the media had no effects on them felt comfortable with

their body image and were not concerned if their body did not match the media’s standard of

beauty. A 21 year old female chimed, “Because of my genetic makeup, I know that I will never

be skinny, so what is the point of me stressing over something that I cannot control or getting

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mad over something that is not even the truth?” (Personal Interview, November 2012). Though

the media has had negative effects on a few members of the population, none of the respondents

reported of extreme effects such as anorexia or bulimia.

Social Cognitive Theory Applied to the Results

As stated in the literature review, social cognitive theory embodies four capabilities that affect an

individual’s behavior and they are, “ The ability to symbolize, self-regulation, self-reflect, and

observational learning/learning vicariously” (Hendricks, 2002, pg. 115). From the results, self-

regulation, self-reflection, and observational learning had the most positive effects on the

participants. Self-reflection is the ability to decipher between accurate and flawed thought

processes (Hendricks, 2002, pg. 115). Because these participants know that the media’s image is

of beauty is fake and inaccurate compared to the average person, they displayed less self-

regulation/self-control in striving to be like the unrealistic images that the media portray. Over

75% of the participants that demonstrated low levels of self-regulation and they reported that

they do not strive to look like the people seen in the media. Numerous participants commented

about their genetic makeup and how it will never amount to what the media constantly portrays.

A 20 year-old white male responded, “The media sets an unrealistic expectation that sets you up

for disappointment. [In the media] men have bigger chests and nice abs. Those bodies are

visually appealing, but at the end of the day different bodies develop differently, so some people

may be able to achieve that toned, chiseled body, but most people can’t”(Personal interview,

November 2012). From the data, it seems that striving for something that is unattainable is

futile. Many of the respondents reported that anything in the media has to be questioned and

cannot and should not be taken at face value. Because the media generates so many untruths, it

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is up to the individual to decipher the truth that is within the media and apply it to their own

reality.

When learning vicariously, the reader of a text notes desired results of a model that is

engaging in a particular activity. Many of the participants noted that the celebrities have gained

fame and fortune not solely based on their talents, but their body image plays a major role in

their success. Though the average person does not have the financial means to access all the

materials that are needed to maintain the look of celebrities, they can tailor their beauty regiment

or personal upkeep to their budget. About 20% of the female population reported that the media

had a positive effect on them because they use celebrities as sources of information for the latest

trends in clothing, footwear, accessories, etc. Once they have these trends, they can put their

personal spin on these findings and shop within their budget.

Overall, it seems as if people do not confide in the media to display reality. In fact, many

of the individuals use the media as an escape for reality. Whether we like it or not, the media is a

clear reflection of the wants and desires of our society. So, what do these images mean for our

society? It shows that everyone would one day like to be known or acknowledge by many

people. In addition to this, we all want to be perceived or publicly recognized for being beautiful

and having a nice body. Also, it shows that we want to live the lavish life and become rich and

famous one day. Though the media displays most of the extreme/rare cases of those that “make

it big”, it gives people hope that one day they can attain the level of success and wealth.

Social Comparison Theory & Results

The social-comparison theory states that when individuals compare themselves to others

it can lead to negative effects. People evaluate their opinion by comparing themselves with

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others they want to look like or share common characteristics with (Festinger, 1954). Our study

relates to the social-comparison theory in both the negative and positive sense because 11% of

the sample said that when they compare themselves to figures in the media they feel bad about

themselves after, but the majority, 61.1%, of the sample respondents had a positive affect after

viewing media because it caused them to compare in a positive sense that is good for their body

image.

The literature also stated that the more they are related to the individual they are

comparing themselves to, the greater their opinion about that individual becomes (Reaves, 2011).

“When women who are heavy viewers of television –particularly of thin-ideal media- are

presented with a multitude of this actresses and model to which they can compare themselves. As

the images become more accessible, they may become internalized resulting in upward

comparisons and greater body dissatisfaction. Upward comparisons are when people compare

themselves to someone else and find themselves to be lacking” (Kinnally & Vonderen, 2012, p.

44). One nineteen year-old respondent agreed with this statement by saying, “I enjoy looking at

pictures of celebrities in People magazine and I envy some of the girls in the pictures, but when a

model that looks more like me, I become more aware of my own body and comparing it to hers.”

Looking at these various forms of media will cause individuals to judge themselves because the

image that the media presents is always flawless.

Overall, previous research on social comparison theory and the body image is negative;

however, our research showed that only 4 out of 36 respondents show negative effects.

After analyzing our focus groups, many participants agreed that from the point at which

they could make decisions for themselves, media has had some type of influence on them. The

influence for the majority of our results shows that the positive effects were much greater than

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the negative or even no effects. Growing up and experiencing media has given our participants

many chances to believe the presented ideal body image. Fortunately, the participants were able

to identify that media presents a false image. Their wisdom has allowed them to create their own

personal definition of body image. Our participants used media as a tool for entertainment and

new ideas, like style guides. Although Jefferson and Stake (2009) reported European American

adolescent girls are negatively pressured into conforming into unattainable body images, our

results support that today, individuals recognize the truth and understand that media misleads the

average person.

In the results, many of the participants commented on how visuals in media influenced

more than words. Pictures of celebrities caught their attention more than words because of how

much information one can receive from just glancing at an image. None of the participants

admitted to being dissatisfied with their body image and stated that they enjoyed to work out to

feel good, not to look a certain way. One 21-year-old male did state “I do find myself looking at

athletes and wishing my body looked similar, but it just gives me motivation to push harder at

the gym. I see results and am satisfied with the way I look” (Personal Interview, November

2012). Although the influences were not negative, they agreed that media gave them one reason

to work out. Health conscious behavior seems to be the new trend and media is helping inspire

individuals.

Internet based media was the top influencer from our participants. Again, most

participants mentioned how the visuals online captured their attention. Social media

advertisements were also greatly talked about, whether they were on Twitter, Facebook or

Instagram. Television is also a great influencer, but our sample of 18 to 24 year-olds mainly

spent their time online. Levine and Murrain (2009) mentioned how advertisements show a better

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life-style. Based on the amount of time people are exposed to media, they have more of a chance

to take away what they want from the media. As stated from a 24 year old African American,

“Media shows different looks and allows the viewer to choose what they like” (Personal

Interview, November 2012). If the viewer sees celebrities wearing their hair a certain way and

they like it, then it gives the viewer a chance to try the style out on themselves.

One of our research sub-questions asked: Does the amount of media exposure change an

individual’s perception of his or her own body image? Our results were not able to support the

answer. We received data that explains the statistics of the amount of time spent interacting with

media, but found no correlation between time exposed and an individual’s perception of body

image. The only comparison made is that more time exposed to media allowed our participants

to capture a better look at visuals, which were stated as being more influential than texts alone.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Originally our hypothesis stated that the media does not have a negative effect on

individuals. Our research supported this hypothesis because the majority of the sample found to

have a positive effect on body image after viewing media as well as no effect at all. The positive

effects include personal upkeep through grooming, exercising, eating healthy, and being aware

of outward appearance. The other effects were self-confidence, and determination. The sample

participants came to consensus that the media’s portrayal of beauty is a skewed view of reality,

some individuals allow their viewing of this to create a negative effect, but the majority realizes

that it is skewed and turns it into something constructive.

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Limitations

One of the limitations that we encountered during the research was not taking cultural

differences into consideration when asking the individual’s personal definition of beauty. The

only inquiry of cultural background that was mentioned in this project was the participant

identifying their ethnicity on the consent form. In one focus group, 50% of the of the

participants were African-American females, and both their personal definition of beauty and the

media’s definition of beauty for African-American females was a little bit bigger than Caucasian

females seen in the media. According to Rucker and Cash (1991), “Black women’s body image

attitudes, especially related to weight, will be less disparaging. Also, black women’s perceptions

of body sizes will evince higher thresholds for judgments of fatness (pg. 292). One African-

American female reported, “Though there are few African-American women in the media, they

are seen as a little bit thicker than for white females. [Along with being thicker] African-

American females are very va-va-va-voom or curvaceous, and it is not uncommon to see these

females with a bigger butt; that’s how African-Americans would define beauty [for women] both

in the media and in reality”(Personal Interview, November 2012). Also, out of the sample

population, there were only two African-American males that were sampled. Both commented

that there were not many African-American males that they could think of that defined beauty as

seen in the media. A nineteen-year-old African-American make commented that, “Being a black

male, I’m influenced by the media to a certain extent. Black males aren’t really portrayed to be

intelligent or beautiful. [They are usually portrayed] as hardcore, rough background, being

ruthless etc. That’s seen as beautiful by some people, but in all actuality, there are really few

“brothers” that are seen as beautiful or the typical “sex symbols”(Personal Interview, November

2012). Minorities are not portrayed in the media as frequently as Caucasian males and females.

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When dealing with minorities, the media feeds into the stereotypes of certain cultures, and often

times there is a skewed portrayal of beauty for these minorities. For future research, one

recommendation would be to consider the participant’s culture when considering the affect it

may have on the individual.

Some other limitations we encountered were geography related because we were only

able to sample individuals living in Charlotte, North Carolina. We do not have the ability to

know if there is a difference among individuals living in different regions and their view on body

image after viewing media. Also, the sample size was not quite large enough to thoroughly

measure the effects that the media may have on an individual

Future Findings

For future research on body image and the media, the positive effects could be another

property to investigate rather than only the negative effects. Also, cultural aspects and body

image could be something that should be explored to figure out why people consider a certain

body type to be beautiful. Social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn is another

major part of today’s society and should be considered when researching body image and the

media rather than only magazines, advertisements, and television.

Appendices

Appendix A:

Table 1

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Table 2

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Table 3

Appendix B:

Consent Forms

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Documents

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