Dr. Mercola May 08 2004 4,097 views
While women try to compare to the waif-like models portrayed in the media, research has shown that men are experiencing poor self-images due to the muscular handsome men seen in after-shave ads.
Participants of a study included 158 male college students who were required to view television ads flooded with very tone, muscle-defined men, often without their shirts. Results of the study showed that the men watching these commercials felt more unhappiness and depression, compared to the students who took part in watching the "neutral" commercials. The study also suggested that the "ideal male body" portrayed in the media was linked to negative feelings toward body image in men.
Negative effects of poor body images included low self-esteem, depression and unhealthy eating habits and usually involved women. However, findings from studies have shown that poor body image among men has been on the rise.
In another study, college students were interviewed on two separate days. One of the days consisted of being questioned on their own personal appearance. A week after the interviews, they watched videotapes containing commercials. One group watched commercials with young muscular men being used to sell cologne and deodorant, while the other group saw commercials with typical middle-aged car salesmen and men selling phone plans.
Results from both groups were measured by scales that assessed the students’ body satisfaction and mood. Conclusions from the study revealed that the students shown the commercials with the trim and lean actors reported they felt more "muscle dissatisfaction" and unhappiness than the students who watched the "neutral" commercials.
Experts said these results have raised concerns particularly considering the average person is exposed to approximately 25 commercials portraying "ideal body images" each day. Experts also recommended future research into the possible damaging long-term effects of such media images.
Yahoo! News April 21, 2004
The average person is exposed to nearly 25 appearance-related commercials each day, which is just one more reason why you may want to turn off the TV.
What’s unfortunate is that most children and young adults don’t realize that most of the models in these ads have their body features enhanced with certain props and lighting angles. The advances of computers also allow marketers to alter body shapes, sizes and get rid of unwanted blemishes and wrinkles.
Our children and young adults need to understand that this is not reality.
Until that happens, parents will be faced with having to deal with depressed children with eating disorders who are trying to desperately trying to measure up to these unrealistic images the media is portraying.
Turning off or limiting your child’s exposure to television and these negative ads will provide two solutions: limiting your child’s exposure to damaging ads and not allowing clever marketers to influence your child’s choice of foods.
Parents really need to take an active role in making sure their child is following a nutritious eating plan and encouraging their children to be active, whether it’s through joining a sports team or finding some creative outlets such as exploring hobbies or discovering other interests.
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