The Media's Influence On Eating Disorders
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It's commonly understood that the media bombards people with images of unrealistic beauty, and you may know that these images can be triggering agents for eating disorder behaviors. But what are the differences between advertising and news media? And what can you and I do about the problem? Understanding the issue is motivation to take practical steps to achieve healthy body image (for ourselves and our loved ones). Advertising in Media Links to Eating Disorders I don't know of a better example of how advertisers manipulate images for effect (and revenue) than the short film "Evolution" created for Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty. It shows a timelapsed account of how a model is transformed into billboard material. It's especially shocking to see the digital enhancement of the woman's face after her hair and makeup work are complete. The images we see in advertising are not images of real women: They are modifications of those women. And they're associated with success, power, wealth, and happiness, supposedly gained by using certain products. This sets us up to believe that we must pursue unrealistic appearance to get things that we want. And when living in healthy, normal ways doesn't produce that appearance, many turn to what is abnormal and unhealthy -- eating disorders. Eating Disorders and News Media News media coverage of eating disorders is disturbingly sensational. Much of the day of a person with anorexia or bulimia is affected by the disorder, but it may not be obvious to the casual observer. So reporters and editors pick out the most dramatic "highlights" of the eating problem and bring them front and center. You can almost see the furrowed brow of the commentator as she says lines like these (cue the horror-film music): Katie just wanted to lose a little weight. But this time, she was on a path to self-destruction and personal torment. And we lean in and watch more. And advertisers see the ratings, and pay more money so that we can see more of the same. Meanwhile, those with eating disorders see the pictures of bony limbs and protruding ribs and consider it "thinspiration" -- a trigger to engage in more disordered eating. So the media can have a negative effect on promoting images that push healthy people toward eating disorders, and they also have a negative effect in the way they report on those who do develop eating disorders. I'm not against media outlets making money, and producers and other executives don't necessarily intend to do harm. But this double blow to women is especially damaging. Eating Disorders and Magazines You know what kinds of images you see on the covers of magazines at your supermarket. The images of women outnumber men by a huge margin. These attention-grabbing photos are often digitally edited to shift facial features and change body structure to evoke a certain response in those who see them. In my own experience with those with eating and body-related disorders, especially anorexia and body dysmorphic disorder (in which a person has a very inaccurate view of his or her body, usually focused on one or two body parts), these magazines are common fuel for negative thinking. Perhaps this is because the images are still shots that can be examined slowly and repeatedly. Amazingly, the waiting rooms of counseling offices and medical practitioners often have a large supply of these very magazines. I hope to raise awareness even among my colleagues in this area. If we can't set a good example, who can? What Can You Do About the Media's Influence on Eating Disorders? "The media" has no face and no name, and it's easy to think that we are powerless to do anything about these issues. But we can. Standing Firm for Something Better Research on the causes of eating disorders is growing rapidly, and it's clear that there are many contributors. The news media are only one source of problems, and we must acknowledge that any comprehensive effort to curb eating disorders must include education on family dynamics, abuse, triggering comments, and many other factors. The media is unique, though, in that it's everywhere. It's in our homes, in our cars, on the streets, and in grocery stores. Challenging media can interrupt the constant pressure to be perfect and create a place for women (and men) to breathe. |
