In a technologically-dominant world, nearly everyone has seen at least one Photoshopped, or digitally-altered, image in their life, whether it is believed or not. Social media has caused a frenzy of adults, teens, and kids alike who are obsessed with looking as perfect as possible. Entertainers and social media influencers have had a huge impact on this issue. The type of 'ideal body', a glorified image of how one should look, portrayed online, in movies, and in magazines simply misleads the general public into believing that having an ideal body is socially imperative. The stride that most Americans take towards an unattainable social construct is incredibly detrimental to one’s self-esteem, especially if these goals are not achieved. Although some scholars believe otherwise, a significant amount of men and women have begun to doubt the way they look, spiraling into self-hatred, because of an increasingly digitalized age in which the widespread of Photoshopped images becomes idolized.
One of the major effects of Photoshop is the increased rate of eating disorders. In fact, the National Eating Disorders Association proclaims that “... studies have linked exposure to the thin ideal in mass media to body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and disordered eating...” ('Media & Eating Disorders', 2018). Then, what is the cause for such a link in eating disorders among Americans? Photoshopped images have become such a reality for certain people that they feel that there is no other choice but to conform to media-fueled body images through unhealthy coping mechanisms. In an attempt to mirror the Photoshopped images, eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder, proliferate throughout the population. However, these ideals are unachievable, which are worsened by the presence of media, further aggravating the problem.
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Some scholars such as William Rhys Jones, a doctor at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ eating disorders faculty, back up this sentiment, “Images of unhealthy male body ideals in the media place unnecessary pressure on vulnerable people who strive for acceptance through the way they look” (Marsh, 2017), elucidating the effects of idealizing an unrealistic aesthetic and publicly endorsing such ideals. The alarming increase in body disillusion because of outrageous standards created by the media is a definite cause of concern for all Americans. Popularized images that were manipulated to fit certain beauty standards were created to garner consumer attention. Although frequent exposure to alluring imagery does entice excitement, Americans begin to equate all beauty with these imposed standards by the media. Although some may disagree, discounting the effects of media on body image would not only mean arguing against a correlation between Photoshopped images and body disorders (or self-hatred), but it would also disregard how influential the media can be.
Undeniably, American media has had a major influence beyond their own sociocultural sphere as they had significant impacts on the perception of beauty in other cultures and regions. For example, Fiji found a cultural shift in beauty ideals when Western television shows got introduced. American beauty standards, such as being thin, began being imprinted upon the people of Fiji — a culture that celebrated voluptuous women — which quickly became plagued with eating disorders (Day, 2017). An interesting phenomenon occurs in which fictional elements and cultural upbringing hastily dissipate away in the face of popular media. It is no surprise that massive amounts of people from all over the world are feeling more disgusted with themselves. The distortion of images, especially advertisements, prays upon an individual's desire to attain the best-perceived version of themselves. People are led to chase a proverbial grail that has been carefully curated by experts and locked up in a glass exhibit. This induced state of mind can be quite detrimental to Americans who are more susceptible to attaching themselves to corrupt influences that appear appealing. The promulgation of advertisements featuring attractive people can create envy within an individual who may feel that they need to attain that image at any cost.
Usually, such dilemmas are centered on younger generations who are heavily influenced by public figures, such as musicians, actors, etc. In their desire to look similar to them, even with the possibility that their images are augmented, young Americans are still willing to commit to these ideas. Even influencers, albeit young adults, find themselves influenced by Photoshopped images and ideas about body types. For example, Zach Kornfeld, a member of the Try Guys, admits, “I think I’m, like, too thin and scrawny. Intellectually, I know that I’m not any less of a man because I’m not big and strong, but it’s hard sometimes to not look at the people around you and feel less than” ('The Try Guys Get Photoshopped with Men's Ideal Body Types', 2019), exemplifying a commonplace inferiority complex. Even with the knowledge that his value as a human being, or as a man, is not taken away, the effects of altered media still take root. What makes a man a man? Or what makes a woman a woman? In the era of digitally-altered images, changed ideals have rendered these types of questions useless. If an individual’s identity is not secured, which is most likely the case, then it will inevitably be tested by other, more alluring ones. Possible examples may include thinner, whiter, and taller models as the ideals. Another member of the Try Guys, Ned Fulmer, claims that 'athleticism' determines a man’s attractiveness ('The Try Guys Get Photoshopped with Men's Ideal Body Types', 2019). Athleticism and male aestheticism exemplify a superficial fixation on the ego. By obtaining these standards one is said to be better than someone without. However many individuals in this world are unable to achieve such athleticism or aestheticism. People with diabetes, muscular diseases, etc. are such examples of individuals without the capability to become 'attractive', in the eyes of mass media standards. People, with the aid of social media and the like, latch onto a goal that gives them a purpose. However, they fail to realize that these images are mirages. Photoshop is not a remedy for body satisfaction; the idea stands that Photoshopped images being a short-term remedy will only leave people devastated.
Some scholars argue that Photoshop does not insinuate self-hatred in men and women. For instance, Carrie Arnold, an eating disorder specialist, found the research linking eating disorders and media exposure by the American Medical Association (AMA) was not backed up by scientific evidence (Diller, 2011). Eating disorders stem from self-hatred, something that is created within one’s self. Hypothetically, if there was no connection between media-induced eating disorders and self-hatred in men and women, would self-hatred still exist? Of course, the answer is yes. Self-hatred, caused by how other people look, is not a new concept. However, it is difficult to deny that increased globalization, as evident in social media, has added to the spread of negative imagery. It is the belief that Photoshopped images are not causing a significant effect that is considered a factor that perpetuates young people riddled with horrible self-images.
However, this issue goes beyond internal, individual struggles. Photoshopped images also influence individuals’ relationships with one another, consequently affecting the whole American society. Generally, people are fixated on finding their perfect partner, often superficially. In turn, with media posting Photoshopped ideals, the average American would never find a partner because they do not match said ideals. Such desperation causes a fracture in human lives. Once again, self-hatred burdens men and women intensified by the prominence of technology. To resist this oversaturation of media and its corrupted ideals, as evident in digitally-altered images, healthier lifestyles can prove to be a remedy to this issue and promote a more positive mindset. Although knowledge can positively affect the mindset of the population, the stigma of imperfection remains. The subjective nature of Photoshop and its detriments produced should be treated delicately like other mental issues such as depression and anxiety. Education should be at the forefront of countering the effects of media-induced eating disorders and self-hatred. By educating the general public about how digitally-altered images can affect the health of people, a greater amount of people can combat the romanticized ideas about certain negative aspects of media.
The doubt that men and women have begun to feel in the wake of Photoshopped images has transformed into self-hatred. The increase in eating disorders, American media influence on other cultural groups, and public figures’ detrimental effects on American youth are arguable but undeniable facets of this issue. Photoshopped images and distorted ideas from influencers are proponents of malevolence for men and women of all ages. Self-hatred, eating disorders, and negative self-image add collective disillusion that halts individual productivity, consequently affecting society as a whole. On the other hand, positive body image, an essential component of identity, would promote individualistic values that are personally and societally productive. Educating Americans on how to cultivate and encourage positive body image with the elimination of Photoshopped images would placate a self-deprecating society.
Works Cited
- Day, Lori. “Why Photoshopping Is a Matter of Life and Death for Many Girls”. HuffPost, 7 Dec. 2017, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-Photoshopping-is-a-ma_b_5138408
- Diller, Vivian. “Is Photoshop Destroying America's Body Image?”. HuffPost, 6 Sept. 2011, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/Photoshop-body-image_b_891095?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWNvc2lhLm9yZy8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJNKaHoK7wR2LcByF-d87KARzh6DZb1M8OhzearkQt3UYDlIJSxZWmJxldBmIyX9G8-IRKgToD1yqdGqu2gtn3yHmKVRWpWn4GPGfgXL8YIG4J9f6Y5O8Lw_xvEgImCea6CCqgXc8SLUV7PGxooAr2N3knB5ptTSCob-4N2oltEn
- Marsh, Sarah. “Eating Disorders in Men Rise by 70% in NHS Figures”. The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 31 July 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jul/31/eating-disorders-in-men-rise-by-70-in-nhs-figures
- “Media & Eating Disorders”. National Eating Disorders Association, 22 Feb. 2018, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/media-eating-disorders
- “The Try Guys Get Photoshopped with Men's Ideal Body Types”. YouTube, Buzzfeed, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLNTb2zfh3Q Accessed 9 December 2019.
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