Social media as a new medium of communication

Images projected through social media can be viewed by anyone

Teenagers as an untargeted but direct audience

Social Media creating social norms

Cyber bullying

Instagram & Photoshop creating false perception of reality

Retailers use Photoshop to enhance images targeted to youth

Various companies acknowledge distorted perception on reality

Social media users with smart phones,

check their smart phones 34 times a day

on average

Their social media use typically lasts for

30 seconds and are repeated within 10

minutes of the first check.

This constant need

to be connected through social media

outlets is supported

by the immediate

feedback creating a

feeling of

importance,

connectivity and

MESSAGE

CHANNEL

CHANNEL

CHANNEL

Over 8 million people in the U.S. have an eating disorder, 90% being women.

95% of these people are between 12 and 25

69% of girls say that magazine models influence their idea of a perfect body

Models Elle Macpherson, Gisele Bundchen, NikiTaylor and Katie Moss, all meet the BMI physical criteria for anorexia

Both male and females are exposed to

the social media pressures to fit in by

tailoring their likes, dislikes, activities, and

even body to fit in with their peers.

With innovations like Facebook, Twitter,

and Instagram. Teenagers can no longer

escape the feeling of “not fitting in” or

being labeled an outsider. There is a

constant reminder of social hierarchy. This

can lead to depression, eating disorders,

and or suicidal thoughts/actions.

Through traditional media outlets such as magazine’s and television advertisements, consumers are not subject to constant exposure of images that make them question their self worth, or beauty.

Social Media, however, acts as a constant reminder that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder, but is subject to the social norms created in online advertisements, websites, or pictures. By use of social media we are judged on the way we present ourselves, and in particular how we appear in pictures.

By using technology, which is not limited

to social media sites and can include

text and e-mail, bullies can target victims

in a manner where they do not have to

be the direct aggressor.

By bullying through a channel that does

not involve face to face confrontation,

the victim appears emotionless,

providing slightly delayed feedback,

allowing the bully to become

unsympathetic to their victim.

TWITTER FACEBOOK

TEXT MESSAGE

Victoria’s Secret Dove

http://www.youtube.com/watch

?v=bseHFrdTm8k

Pin

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Social Media sites like Pinterest, put the consumer in control allowing them to put voice their opinions.

The users want to share their idea of beauty that “Fit is the new skinny”.

Users are also able to share recipes, workout plans, and other tips for a healthy lifestyle.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/07/28/ep.smartphone.obsessed.cohen/index.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/cyberbullying.html

http://www.sheridanmedia.com/files/image/cyber_bullying_Medium.jpg

http://www.communicationstudies.com/body-image-and-the-media-infographic-video