Effect of Modern Media on Women

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media portrayal of women affects how women see themselves.

These disorders, in addition to having a large toll on how women interact with themselves, also affect the way they interact with others, professionally, academically, and socially. Girls with eating disorders are often depressed and withdrawn. This is especially evident in those with body dysmorphia, who tend to shut themselves off in their rooms, so ashamed of their appearance that they don’t want people to see their face. Samantha, the girl mentioned earlier, dropped out of school because she didn’t want to be seen, and refused to work with her tutor unless her face was covered. According to Samantha’s account, she was very irritable and lashed out easily, and her BDD made it very difficult for her family to function properly. Her mother quit her job and her parents went through months of marriage counseling to cope with the stress placed upon their family. Samantha was prone to violent outbursts, yelling at her mother and overturning furniture (Williams). Bulimia and anorexia are known to result in isolation and depression, which has a natural effect on relationships. This isolation can lead to crumbling interpersonal relationships, often taking a large toll on not only the withdrawn girl, but also those around them (Karges).

Self image issues are a huge problem among women, and can result in depression, eating disorders and body dysmorphia, and withdrawal and isolation. These issues often stem from society’s unrealistic ideals of how a woman should look. Although there are more negative ways modern society affects women, there are countless positive effects too. Social media can unite girls from across the world and create a safe space for women and girls coping with depression, eating disorders, or body dysmorphic disorder. Social media can help spread a more inclusive and realistic image for women. Many girls gain confidence through posting selfies and commemorating times when they feel beautiful. Modern media and pop culture has an extraordinarily large impact on how young people, particularly girls, see themselves.

Works Cited

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“Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) - Symptoms And Treatment.” OCD Center of Los Angeles. Web. 8 Nov. 2015. <http://ocdla.com/bodydysmorphicdisorder>

“Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) | Anxiety And Depression Association of America, ADAA.” Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Web. 8 Nov. 2015. <http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd>

Boskind-White, Marlene, William C. White, and Marlene Boskind-White. Bulimia/Anorexia: the Binge/Purge Cycle and Self-Starvation. New York: W.W. Norton &amp; Co., 2000. Print.

“Bulimia Nervosa.” : Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Help. Web. 8 Nov. 2015. <http://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa.htm>

“Eating Disorders, Anxiety And Depression.” Eating Disorders, Anxiety &amp; Depression. Web. 8 Nov. 2015. <http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-a-other-health-problems/eating-disorders-anxiety-a-depression>

“How Eating Disorders Can Affect Relationships.” Eating Disorder Hope RSS. Web. 8 Nov. 2015. <http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/family-role/how-eating-disorders-can-affect-relationships>

"Mass Media and It’s Influence on the Adolescent Mind." Mass Media and Its Influence on the Adolescent Mind : (2006): n. pag. Web. 8 Nov. 2015.

Sharma, Vandana. “Prevalence Of Depression Among Adolescents: A Comparative Analysis.” PARIPEX Paripex - Indian Journal Of Research 3.6 (2012): 53–55. Web.

“The Ugly Truth about Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2015. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/9693178/the-ugly-truth-about-body-dysmorphic-disorder.html>

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