Impact of the media on adolescent body image

The mass media have become a powerful force throughout the world and strongly influence how people see themselves and others. This is particularly true for adolescents. This article discusses how the media affect body image and self-esteem and why the media seem to have such strong effects on adolescents. The differences in responses to the media in adolescents of different ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds are discussed. Although this article focuses primarily on teenage girls, the data for adolescent boys is reviewed as well. Finally, this article discusses possible ways to help adolescents become more active viewers of the media and help prevent the decrease in body esteem that so often occurs during adolescence.