final essay SOCI 1005 001

.pdf

School

Carleton University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

1005

Subject

Sociology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by DeaconStar3603

1 Social Media and Beauty Perception: Navigating Unrealistic Standards in a Digital Age By Rachael Ogwu Dr. Phillip Primeau 101220213 SOCI1005 16/12/2023

2 We live in a world where it’s now a habit formed where many people reach for their phones before engaging in morning activities. Every click, scroll, and swipe brings endless streams of memes. This behavior is not only confined to a particular age group but across generations. According to research conducted by Pew Research, approximately 90% of adults and 100% of individuals aged 18-34 use their smartphones within the first 30 minutes of waking up (Auxier, 2021). Media pervades every aspect of our lives, and the effect it has on individuals is undeniable. This essay explores the impact of social media on body image perception, self-esteem and how media contributes to the creation of societal beauty standards. We dive deep into the impact of social media influence on molding the well-being of individuals and society. Media plays a crucial role in establishing unrealistic beauty standards which negatively affects individuals’ self-esteem, self-worth, and mental well-being. The intertwining connection between media and culture amplifies these challenges. Social media have undergone exceptional growth, changing the way individuals perceive the world. Platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram have created a virtual world where billions of users share aspirations, lives, and physical appearances which contributes to the perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards (Kaushik, 2023). In the world of social media people curate their images and what they want others to think of them which can foster unrealistic expectations, and lead individuals to compare themselves unfavorably. “These results invite us to reflect on the use of social networks and their impact on constructs as relevant to the person as self-esteem and body image and on how different policies should be taken into account to prevent a negative impact on the

3 mental health of their users” (Molina et al.,2022). Celebrities, influencers, and online communities play a significant role in shaping modern beauty standards. Many people listen to influencers and follow their advice because they think these influencers know a lot about what’s trending and their opinion shape trends and influences the decisions of choices. Social media has the potential to foster a culture of comparison and competition making individuals compare their bodies to others and cause body dissatisfaction and striving to meet the same beauty standards (Pedersen, 2023). The more time people spend on social media they become dissatisfied with their bodies. Social media have tools that alter images and make them look more polished and idealized and has impacted the perception of what’s considered “beautiful” or “desirable”. Culture is crucial in shaping, cultural norms and values that contribute to the definition of beauty standards. Effect of social media on self-esteem. That’s where validation of self-worth comes in, a feed full of positive media metrics can boost self-esteem by providing self-validation and acceptance. Receiving positive comments and likes from people who genuinely care or love your content makes an individual feel valued and contributes to their self-image. The reliance on social media to validate self-worth can be challenging. Cyberbullying is the use of the internet to harass or intimidate individuals and body shaming. This is a negative act of mocking someone physical appearance causing unrealistic body standards and fostering a culture of comparison. Both body shaming and cyberbullying have a huge implication on mental health, can lead to anxiety, depression, and contribute to suicides. Additionally, creating a community of body positivity and implementing strategies that create online safety, mental well-being, and respect on social media.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Pearson College Div

Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780393639407

Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...

Sociology

ISBN:9781305503076

Author:Earl R. Babbie

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...

Sociology

ISBN:9780134477596

Author:Saferstein, Richard

Publisher:PEARSON

Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134205571

Author:James M. Henslin

Publisher:PEARSON

Society: The Basics (14th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134206325

Author:John J. Macionis

Publisher:PEARSON

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Pearson College Div
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780393639407
Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...
Sociology
ISBN:9781305503076
Author:Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...
Sociology
ISBN:9780134477596
Author:Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:PEARSON
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134205571
Author:James M. Henslin
Publisher:PEARSON
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134206325
Author:John J. Macionis
Publisher:PEARSON