Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Belton
UWRT
1101-008
October,
2014
Social
Medias
Effect
on
the
Image
of
Women
Introduction/
Background
Imagine
a
young
girl
perhaps
the
age
of
thirteen,
who
still
has
her
innocence
and
a
mind
that
acts
as
a
blank
slate
waiting
to
be
filled
with
new
memories,
thoughts,
and
miscellaneous
information.
She
spends
her
days
in
school
just
as
any
other
kid,
and
then
returns
home
at
the
end
of
the
day
to
an
empty
house.
The
girl
has
free
will
to
do
whatever
she
pleases
including
communicating
with
her
peers
via
texting
and
social
media
sites.
The
social
media
viewed
by
the
young
girl
contains
images
of
skinny
women
with
the
perfect
size
and
shape,
women
classified
in
a
derogatory
manner,
and
sexual
preferences/labels
placed
on
women.
This
depicts
and
idealizes
women
as
sexual
objects,
creates
a
favored
image
of
attractiveness,
and
body
image
that
are
unobtainable/unreasonable
standards
that
are
required
in
order
to
be
classified
as
beautiful.
As
a
woman
I
often
fall
victim
to
negative
stigmas,
vain
perceptions,
and
the
want
to
be
desired
by
society
and
classified
as
attractive.
This
promotes
a
narcissistic
self-infatuation
to
constantly
groom,
exhibit
a
certain
mannerism,
and
sculpt/
manipulate
my
body
so
that
it
fits
societys
standard
of
beauty.
It
is
not
rare
to
look
in
the
mirror
and
point
at
every
flaw
noticeable,
attempt
new
diets,
or
dress
to
impress
so
that
I
can
achieve
that
desired
perception
and
approval
from
others,
based
on
what
is
idealized
in
social
media
as
beautiful.
I
am
familiar
with
the
negative
affects
of
watching
a
womans
beauty
depicted
through
the
usage
of
social
media.
I
am
quite
aware
that
certain
T.V
shows
such
as
the
show
Gossip
Girl
illustrates
the
image
of
a
wealthy,
slim,
tall,
dressed
in
designer
clothes
girl
as
being
wanted
by
men
and
attractive.
I
am
also
aware
that
this
image
infiltrates
the
psyche
of
a
woman,
or
of
a
young
girl,
creating
this
obsession
and
fixation,
desperate
for
marked
approval
and
desperate
to
be
deemed
as
beautiful.
Before
further
discussing
the
topic,
Id
like
to
address
what
my
paper
will
further
include.
I
will
explore
the
negative
influences
of
social
media.
More
specifically
I
will
explain
and
support
how
social
media
affects
conflicting
images
of
women,
and
beauty
that
are
unreasonable
yet
desirable.
I
will
incorporate
valid
research
and
a
case
study
description
of
the
show
Gossip
Girl
in
order
to
support
my
view
as
well
as
the
view
of
the
opposing
side
to
act
as
a
possible
refute
that:
self
esteem,
and
the
image
of
beauty
is
not
altered
by
social
media,
however
it
is
altered
by
self
perception
and
self
confidence
that
stems
from
within.
In
Gossip
Girl
the
manipulative
usage
of
a
burn
website,
and
peer
communication
through
social
media
is
a
driving
force
that
builds
the
plot
of
the
show.
Though
this
can
be
seen
by
viewers
as
entertaining
it
too
depicts
societys
perpetuating
flaw:
Social
media
is
used
as
a
source
of
entertainment
however
it
bashes
victims,
harshly
attacks
the
self
esteem
of
many
women,
and
supports
hurtful
gossip
that
destroys/
burdens
the
lives
of
many.
Potential
biases
within
the
paper
are
that
I
am
a
women
that
is
affected
by
social
media,
I
could
potentially
fill
targeted
(thinking
that
I
do
not
meet
societies
means
of
what
is
considered
pretty)
in
result
contributes
to
my
stance
that
social
media
misconstrues
the
image
of
women.
Review
of
Relevant
Literature
Social
media
sites
such
as
Facebook,
often
idealize
women,
and
create
an
image
distance
in
young
adolescent
girls
(Meir,
James
2014).
Facebook
to
promotes
self
fixations,
and
consumption
that
is
often
referred
to
as
Narcissism
that
is
evident
among
participators
of
social
media
networking (Mehdizadeh, 2013) . Online activity
as well as behavior liked to those who indulge in social media has tremendous effect on
their psychological thinking and behavior (James, 2013) (Grey, 2013) These sources as
well as a case study observation of the show Gossip Girl tie in with the concept that
social media indeed has a negative effect on women, and their obsession with image, and
vein perception, in which promotes narcissistic tendencies.
(Barlett, 2008) Expresses that Not only does media affect women it also effects
men. This can be used for a counter argument that women are not the only ones
personally impacted. Women and men struggle with self-esteem when in contact with
idealized images of other men and women. (Heinberg, 1995) show that women not only
gain body dissatisfaction from media influence of a woman image, but they exhibit
emotions of anger versus dissatisfaction, which does not directly respond to my
argument.
An interesting argument is that social media not only depicts physical images of
women, it too produces sexual implications, and sexual role preferences amongst women.
These sources do not directly correlate with my stance, and belief, however they are
useful in seeing ways that are possible results from the influence of social media on
women.
scandalous, life of Manhattans upper East Side. The quotation shows that interacting
with social media is the norm, it is apart of their everyday routine that consumes the lives
of the characters. Often
in
the
show
the
characters
are
depicted
through
anonymous
gossip
tips
that
are
posted
and
shared.
The
posts
contain
an
array
of
harmful
images,
and
text
that
apply
to
various
members
within
the
figured
society.
It
is
not
unlikely
or
uncommon
for
the
females
exposed
or
taunted
to
act
in
a
domino
affect
of
posting
something
just
as
hurtful
or
obscene.
In
result
of
this
belittlement
characters
strive
to
be
at
the
top
of
the
popularity
scale.
They
dress
and
act
in
a
particular
manner
in
order
to
receive
confirmation
and
appraisal.
Though
on
the
outside
the
characters
seemed
self-assured,
on
the
inside
the
women
were
shallow,
insecure,
verbally
battered
and
damaged
because
of
the
gossip
site
Gossip
Girl.
To
be
attractive
should
not
be
characterized
by
the
partakers
of
social
media
gossip.
Social
media
sites
validate
and
solidify
that
the
harmful
effects
of
social
media
are
okay.
Women
play
into
bias
views
of
beauty
and
become
wrapped
up
in
what
is
idealized
by
the
media.
These
thoughts
consume
them
and
further
weaken
their
esteem.
This
has
psychological
effects
that
cling
to
their
thoughts
as
long
as
they
feel
inadequate
and
continuously
showed
through
contrasting
images
of
their
appearance
that
they
are
indeed
inadequate.
Popular
sources
may
agree
with
these
statements,
proclaiming
that
social
media
is
truly
a
negative
aspect
in
regards
to
weakening
women,
over
the
years
it
has
became
and
harsh
reality
and
continues
to
perpetuate.
Some
may
argue
that
self
esteem,
and
self-image
stems
from
within;
the
negative
stigmas
and
perceptions
that
associated
with
self-image
and
self-esteem
does
not
come
from
an
outside
source.
It
may
be
seen
that
each
individual
woman
is
their
biggest
critique
that
they
must
learn
to
sway
away
from
harsh
criticism
and
accept
who
they
are
and
what
they
are.
Perhaps
self-esteem
can
only
be
altered
from
within,
and
if
one
becomes
confident
and
self-assured
this
stems
from
self-
actualization
and
self-improvement.
How
can
social
media
possibly
posses
the
ability
to
change
how
someone
feels
and
or
thinks
of
themselves.
How
can
one
be
so
easily
influenced
and
taken
aback
by
harmless
words,
and
images
that
do
not
directly
apply
to
them?
These
are
all
arguments
that
can
be
associated
with
a
possible
rebuttal
for
my
argument
however
this
logic
is
disproven
and
does
not
realistically
support
how
women
in
society
think
and
feel.
The
indifferent
perspective
is
that
self-image
and
self-perception
is
not
stemmed
from
social
media
alone.
Social
media,
paired
with
self-doubt,
are
at
fault
for
causing
women
to
behave
and
think
in
a
manner
that
shows
feelings
of
Alexandria Belton 10/27/2014 9:07 AM
incompetence
and
nonexistent
self
approval.
Haphazardly
this
is
a
view
that
shows
no
intentional
bias,
and
can
be
mistaken
as
true,
however
this
casts
the
blame
onto
social
media,
and
onto
the
individuals
woman;
the
blame
however
should
be
independently
focused
on
the
media.
Social
media
and
its
users
are
at
fault,
the
women
are
the
victims.
It
shall
be
no
misconception
for
social
medias
role
in
making
women
feel
insecure,
unworthy,
and
badgering
women
for
their
flaws
rather
than
embracing
their
individual
beauty.
Conclusion
Women
have
been
persistently
impacted
by
the
negative
images
and
words
displayed
in
social
media.
The
image
of
beauty
has
been
misconstrued
leaving
women
with
an
unobtainable,
unrealistic
image
of
desired
beauty.
The
images
that
are
showcased
have
created
visual
biases,
that
leave
women
feeling
ostracized
and
undesirable
in
comparison
to
their
seemingly
perfect
images
of
women
noted
in
social
media
that
are
thin,
young,
fair
skin,
have
lushes
hair,
and
stunning
features.
The
demanding
images
leave
women
with
low-self
esteem,
nearly
non-existent
self
worth,
and
diminished
positive
self-perception.
This
is
tremendously
affecting
the
mind
of
adolescent
teen
girls
and
women
of
all
ages.
The
effects
are
subconscious,
the
victims
of
social
media
influence
often
are
not
aware
that
they
are
being
targeted.
They
are
blind
to
the
gambling
game
that
the
influencers
of
social
media
are
playing.
Women
believe
that
these
images,
and
feelings
of
self
doubt
associated
with
social
media
are
social
norms.
They
have
been
taught
to
conform
in
order
to
be
notices
are
deemed
accepted,
however
they
are
harshly
judged
if
they
sway
away
from
traditional
aspects
that
define
beauty.
By
using
a
case
study
of
the
series
Gossip
Girl,
and
creating
a
parallel
between
the
show
and
how
social
media
effects
women
in
everyday
life
one
can
see
a
fictional
and
nonfictional
example
that
supports
the
negative
effects
of
social
media.
The
T.V
series
shows
a
valid
representation
of
online
social
media
harassment,
and
social
medias
direct
effect
on
women.
The
show
also
contributes
to
a
radical,
more
extreme
case
of
how
social
media
effects
women,
however
this
approach
is
eye
opening,
perhaps
unrealistic,
yet
it
is
very
useful
to
exploring
the
spiteful
results
of
social
media
abuse
on
women
of
all
ages
(Particularly
younger
women).
This
case
study
is
essential,
for
further
understanding
the
problem,
it
highlights
the
overlooked
flaw
in
society
that
social
media
is
continuously
having
a
disturbingly
negative
effect
on
women
The
deeper-rooted
problem,
is
that
individuals
that
attempt
to
create
high
standards
for
beauty
are
often
victims
of
self-
doubt,
and
low
self-esteem.
They
idolize
these
fictitiously
perfect
women
too,
for
they
possess
all
the
traits
that
the
individual
lacks.
Social
media
is
extremely
popular,
and
is
used
by
many
people
on
day-to-day
bases.
The
images,
and
words
displayed
are
conveniently
open
for
many
to
access.
Ultimately
if
you
look
that
bigger
picture,
millions
of
young
females
are
being
feed
incessantly
bias
information
that
latches
on
to
their
mind
that
begins
to
fixate
this
idea
of
a
woman,
and
the
idea
of
beautiful.
From
here
these
images
and
words
are
deemed
as
okay,
by
popular
vote
many
allow
these
images
and
words
to
consume
them,
to
drive
them
to
begin
to
question
their
self
worth
and
their
self
appearance.
This
is
very
dangerous,
women
should
not
be
forced
to
conform
in
order
to
be
considered
beautiful
nor
should
social
media
be
allowed
to
contain
such
rhetoric
that
is
harmful
to
the
image
of
women.
Many
women
are
affected
by
this
societal
flaw,
and
those
that
attempt
to
escape
the
victim
role
are
not
receiving
the
justice
and
relief
they
so
desperately
need.
References
Body Image, Mood, and Televised Images of Attractiveness: The Role of Social
Comparison, Jill A. Cattarin, J. Kevin Thompson, Carmen Thomas, and Robyn
Williams, Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 2000 19, 2, 220-239
Botta, R. (1999), Television images and adolescent girls' body image disturbance.
Journal of Communication
Becerra Enrique; STUTTS, Mary Ann. Ugly Duckling by Day, Super Model by
Night: The Influence of Body Image on the Use of Virtual Worlds