She Strengthens

The Unrealistic Beauty Standards Plaguing Our Youth

As a teenager, I devoured every issue of “Seventeen” magazine that landed in my mailbox. The glossy pages promised to teach me how to snag the boy of my dreams, score the coolest vintage jeans, and conform to unattainable beauty standards. Little has changed in mainstream media since then, but the way we advertise to teens and youth has become a growing concern.

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.

Beyond Photoshop: The Real Culprits

Many blame Photoshop for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, but is it the root of the problem? A 2014 Congressional bill aimed to regulate digital alterations in advertising, but it never came to fruition. While some argue that altered images are misleading and contribute to negative body image, others believe we need to revamp the entire industry.

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 its functions, not just the ones deemed “too far.”

Breaking Beauty Stereotypes

Some brands, like Aerie and ModCloth, have pledged to stop airbrushing models. Dove’s Project #ShowUs aims 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.

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.

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.

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.