Positive and Negative Image
The media can influence a sense of worth in looks alone
Most of the time, the Media's influence has a negative effect on body image and easily promotes eating disorders
However, there are some things that do promote a more healthy lifestyle
TV shows often promote a more realistic show of body image and eating habits. (Pictured above)
Selena Gomez in Wizards of Waverly Place is often shown stuffing her face and not caring about what she looks like to others. This can show teens that not everything is about their looks it promotes a more positive and realistic image of how teens normally act.
Examples of negative promotion:
Magazines (Woman)
Magazines usually have pictures of unnaturally skinny models with headlines saying "Walk your Way Slim", for example. This can encourage teens to loose weight and develop eating disorders because they think that they are supposed to look that way.
Magazines (Men)
Magazines always have pictures of ridiculously muscled men. This can make teenage boys believe that they are supposed to look this way to be 'cool' and 'accepted' so they may develop an eating disorder because of their need to look a certain way.
Adds
Many clothing adds feature unhealthy looking models. Because of they way clothing is promoted, there aren't many plus size adds, models, or even mannequins because The Media thinks that being a healthy weight in undesirable. This can cause eating disorders because of the want to 'feel beautiful' because nothing but size zero is promoted.
More examples of positive promotion:
Cooking Magazines and shows are a good example promoting a healthy lifestyle as well.
In most magazines and TV shows that are based around cooking, good, healthy food with decent portions are promoted. People love to eat, especially teenagers, and these outlets are something that embraces that. It allows for kids to realize that you can eat decent and be healthy too.
Children's Health Magazines
A health magazine designed for a child's health also promotes a healthy lifestyle. It encourages kids to eat healthy and stay active which is what should happen for their growing bodies.