The Media And Body Image - How It Impacts Your Self-Esteem
Updated November 07, 2019
Reviewer Wendy Boring-Bray, DBH, LPC
Whether we want to believe it or not, the media plays a big role in our body image and how we feel about ourselves. We consciously and unconsciously compare ourselves to the "perfect" images of people we see in magazines, commercials, films, and social media. If you struggle with your body image, you aren't alone-the problem is pervasive in modern culture.
Source: flickr.com
However, with understanding and help you can learn to improve your self-esteem and body image, and start feeling good about who you are, the way you are. This article will cover the connection between body image and the media, as well as tools to promote a healthy, positive body image.
Body Image and the Media Are Closely Related
Our attention is often focused on the connection between the media and body image for women, but the relationship exists for men as well. Women in the media always look polished and together. They have perfect hair and perfect makeup with stunning features. They have a thin waistline and curves "in all the right places." Their legs are long, and they never look frumpy. Men, likewise, are shown as tall, muscular, and masculine. They have toned physiques you rarely see elsewhere. The overall message is that women should look like barbies and men like superheroes.
The
way
men
and
women
look
in
the
media
creates
an
unrealistic
image
of
what
we
think
we
should
look
like.
Only
around
5
percent
of
society
resembles
the
images
portrayed
in
the
media.
That
leaves
95
percent
of
people
subject
to
feeling
they
don't
measure
up.
Many
studies
have
been
conducted
that
show
the
more
time
we
spend
viewing
media,
the
higher
the
chance
we'll
experience
low
self-esteem.
One
study
found
that
boys
who
felt
pressure
about
their
weight
were
more
likely
to
struggle
with
depression,
drug
use,
and
drinking.
But
you
can
learn
to
have
control
over
your
body
image-you
can
develop
a
positive
body
image
and
feel
good
about
yourself
just
as
you
are.
Source:
pexels.com
The Lie the Media Tells
The media shows us images we can't possibly live up to. Models, actors, and actresses not only have access to professional makeup artists, hair stylists, fashion designers, and personal trainers, but their appearances are heavily altered with Photoshop and other digital manipulation tools. Their skin is airbrushed to remove blemishes, their bodies thinned, their chests enlarged.
Many people don't realize they're trying to look like something that might not even exist. The media is lying to us about the way the average person looks. And it makes us feel like we should look far different from what we do.
The Impact of Social Media
The
use
of
social
media
has
grown
dramatically
over
the
last
decade,
making
body
image
an
even
bigger
problem.
Social
media
tends
to
be
a
highlight
reel
of
an
individual's
life.
People
rarely
post
pictures
of
themselves
after
they
wake
up
in
the
morning,
or
what
their
body
looks
like
after
multiple
babies.
But
we
don't
perceive
the
posts
as
selective
edits.
We
see
the
pictures
of
our
"friends
and
family"
when
they're
at
their
best
and
think
it's
their
normal
life.
Then
we
begin
to
compare
our
everyday
life
to
the
highlights
of
theirs.
This
lowers
our
self-esteem.
Studies
show
that
people
with
low
self-esteem
spend
the
most
time
on
social
media.
It
was
also
found
that
social
media
causes
people
to
have
lower
self-esteem.
That
means
that
people
already
suffering
from
low
self-esteem
are
indulging
in
an
activity
that
causes
lower
self-esteem.
It's
a
vicious
cycle.
Source: pexels.com
How to Avoid Low Self-Esteem from Issues with Body Image and the Media
There's good news and bad news. The bad news is we aren't going to fix the problems with body image in the media overnight. However, the good news is that there are changes we can make today to improve our body image and self-esteem.
Limit Exposure to the Media
At this point, after all the studies, there's no doubt that body image and the media can negatively impact your self-esteem. Therefore, you should limit your exposure. Take breaks from social media. Give yourself time away, so you aren't constantly exposed to the message the media is conveying regarding body image.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others, Especially in the Media
If you're always comparing yourself to others, you'll always be disappointed. It's time to stop so you can improve your self-esteem. The majority of the people in the media have been touched up-don't compare yourself to something that isn't real. And social media is full of people's best images. Their real lives are just as flawed as yours.
Exercise
Physical activity and exercise are good for your physical and mental health. When you exercise, endorphins are released in your brain that make you feel happier. When you're happier your self-esteem will be better. And as your exercise, you'll lose weight, build muscle tone, and increase your strength. All of these things will help you feel better about yourself without comparing yourself to others.
Source: pexels.com
Let It Go and Forgive
Sometimes the reason the media and body image hurt our self-esteem so much is because someone in our past made a negative comment about our looks. Despite the old "sticks and stones" rhyme, words do hurt. But they don't have to hurt forever. They'll continue to hurt as long as you continue to let them. But if you decide to forgive and let it go, you can move past the hurt.
Take Self-Esteem Issues Seriously
Negative body image and low self-esteem can lead to other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The matter should not be taken lightly. Fortunately, some groups are acting to try to change the way the media unrealistically portrays people, but the problem remains as strong as ever. If you're struggling with low self-esteem and body issues, get the help you need. The media is providing us with lies, and it's time we stop letting it negatively impact our lives.
Get Help from a Professional
If you are struggling with low-esteem due to body image issues, seek professional help. Psychologists can help you pinpoint the underlying issues, see the impact the media has on your body image, and help you in your recovery. If you struggle with getting to therapy appointments, online therapy can help. It could be that you're just too busy to squeeze in a commute across the city to see a therapist, or it could be that you're embarrassed and uncomfortable going to a therapist's office. Whatever your reason is for not wanting to get help in-person, BetterHelp has online counselors that can assist you with building your body image and overcoming body image issues from the comfort of your own home. You can find an online professional to get the help you need. Read below for some reviews on our counselors, from people experiencing similar issues.
Counselor Reviews
"This past year was one of the hardest times of my life and Douglas has been a major part of helping me recover and grow from those difficulties. He has helped me improve my self-image, guide me through issues dealing with work, increase my self-confidence, learn to trust myself more, stand up for myself, and so many other things."
"Shawna
is
an
insightful
and
caring
counsellor,
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a
focus
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practical
strategies
and
techniques.
In
just
a
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sessions
I
feel
confident
I
have
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toolkit
to
manage
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and
the
negative
thoughts
that
took
up
so
much
of
my
day
before.
Wish
I'd
done
this
sooner!"

Conclusion
It's an amazing feeling when you learn to accept yourself exactly as you are. You're a person of great worth and value. Don't let a poor body image hold you back. Therapists are waiting to help you discover the self-love and fulfilling relationships you deserve- take the first step today.