The Unrealistic Beauty Standards Plaguing Our Youth

The Pervasive Influence of Advertising

A 2017 study revealed that advertising can have a profound impact on children and adolescents. The average American young person is exposed to a staggering 13,000 to 30,000 ads per year on TV alone. These images can be overwhelming, shaping what youth consider desirable or “normal.”

Research has shown that the media’s portrayal of a specific thin ideal contributes to negative body image in women and girls. The constant bombardment of idealized beauty standards can lead to a distorted view of what is considered beautiful and desirable.

Beyond Photoshop: The Real Culprits

While Photoshop is often blamed for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, it is merely a tool used in the advertising industry. A 2014 Congressional bill aimed to regulate digital alterations in advertising, but it never came to fruition.

The issue goes beyond just banning Photoshop. We need to revamp the entire industry and address the root causes of body dissatisfaction. It’s not just about the technology used, but about the societal pressures and beauty standards that drive the use of these tools.

The Complexity of Body Image

Social media’s impact on body image is still being studied, but research suggests that people often judge their appearance negatively compared to their peers. The motivations behind the Truth in Advertising Act haven’t disappeared, but the issue is more nuanced than just banning Photoshop.

We need to consider all the functions of the advertising industry, not just the ones deemed “too far.” It’s a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of body dissatisfaction.

Breaking Beauty Stereotypes

Some brands have pledged to stop airbrushing models, while others aim to create an inclusive picture library of women, breaking beauty stereotypes. While these efforts are commendable, they’re just a starting point.

We can’t rely solely on brands to validate our bodies; we need to address the root causes of body dissatisfaction. It’s not just about including more diverse models, but about challenging the societal beauty standards that drive the industry.

Capitalism and Beauty

Capitalism determines which bodies are desirable and profitable. Brands will always prioritize visibility and inclusion to make a profit. The idea of a “body-positive campaign” is often a capitalist move, seeking to make money off consumers.

True body positivity requires a radical shift in how we view beauty and worth. It’s not just about selling products, but about promoting self-acceptance and self-love.

Media Literacy and Self-Acceptance

Media messages can have a lasting impact, especially when reinforced at home. We need to teach individuals body acceptance, self-love, and media literacy to combat misinformation.

By promoting self-expression and imperfection, we can start to see beauty beyond Photoshop and unrealistic standards. It’s about embracing our unique qualities and celebrating our individuality.

Raising a Generation of Self-Acceptance

It’s crucial to raise the next generation to have their own identity, autonomy, and awareness of the media. By showcasing the idea that self-worth isn’t determined by appearance, we can break the cycle of fitting into a mold and encourage everyone to embrace their unique expressions.

Only then can we start to see beauty in all its forms, not just in what’s not Photoshopped. We need to promote a culture of self-acceptance, where individuals are valued for who they are, not for how they look.