Along with reflecting on your own life experiences, consider how the media contributes to the development of disordered eating patterns and other mental health issues, especially among young women (though no one is completely immune). What is the overall impact of these factors on the mental health of women? Then, consider how the media portrays men. From your perspective, what is the overall impact of the media on the mental health of men?

Historically, magazines and media have portrayed women as skinny, beautiful (Western standards), highly sexualized, and often victimized or dependent on the opposite sex. On the other side, males get the roles of tall, dark, handsome, muscular, powerful, protective and are often portrayed as the leader. Sometimes they are womanizers or “players”. No matter the gender, media likes to show the pretty people. Young men and women are being fed a continuous stream of unrealistic content which often leads to unrealistic and unattainable expectations for themselves. Thinking that they are supposed to look like those pretty people in the media and their efforts (sometimes dangerous efforts like the eating patterns we have read about, steroid use in males, and others) to do so often failing, can lead to mental health issues for either gender.

With the ever increasing media platforms and exposure, this is often starting at a much earlier age than it used to. Also, Dr. Coyle mentioned in her lecture on Wednesday, September 9th, it used to be that people could more easily shrug off some of what they saw on television and in magazines because we just “knew” that those supermodels were the exception. Models were supposed to be beautiful and that is why they had those jobs. It was not everywhere like it is now especially with social media. In today’s times, we are constantly bombarded with everyone’s “perfect angle” and “perfect lives”. Deep down we know that it took twenty (or more) shots to get just the right picture to post, yet we still compare ourselves to these people. Furthermore, these people that we compare ourselves to now include our friends and acquaintances - not just supermodels, which adds to the stress.

One thing to point out is that there have been some changes in media and advertising. To their credit, companies like Dove (soap), Target, ThirdLove, and Old Navy are certainly becoming more inclusive. Their commercials show people of all sizes, color, ability, ages, etc. and it is absolutely refreshing to see. Have you seen the Billie razor ads on social media? Women’s body hair in all of its glory, put forth, in your face. These things serve as a reminder of reality. All bodies are not perfect (though I would challenge someone to define exactly what perfect or even normal is) and people are incredibly diverse. Some companies are catching on and blazing a trail for others with these more realistic models, ads, and campaigns and I hope to see more of it!