Has the media's portrayal of women negatively affected the body image of girls at Wykeham Collegiate Senior School? Table of Contents Page Cover Page 1 Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Literature Review 4 Methodology and Presentation of Women Results 8Elaboration of Results 12Conclusion 14List of Bibliography 16Appendix 17IntroductionIt appears that the portrayal of women by the media has negatively influenced the body image of high school girls in the Wykeham Collegiate. The media has a negative effect on today's youth, especially among the female population, regarding the way girls and women view their bodies. The importance of body image and the idealization of the ideal body have become more dominant in today's society. Women and girls appear to be more affected by the mass media than men and boys. Women often compare themselves to others, finding the negative aspects rather than looking at the positive aspects of their bodies. The media representation of the ideal body type has a much greater impact on the female population than on the male population, however, it is not only the mass media that influences women, but also the influence the male population has on the female silhouette as well. The media representation of the female body image has a negative effect on the female population, as shown both in literature reviews and in this research. The dominant factors that influence body image are frequent comparison with others, viewing models, celebrities, in the media and in society in general. The supposed ideal physical appearance and what is considered the ideal body play an important role in the nega...... middle of paper ......m Collegiate, there are possible solutions to improve one's body image. Broaden your perspective on beauty and health, develop positive self-esteem, stop comparing your body image to that of others, and enjoy your body shape and size; These are some ways you can provide a positive approach to your body image. While suggestions are made to help diminish the issues raised by the mass media, "...these images certainly contribute to body hatred...and some of the resulting eating problems, ranging from bulimia to overeating compulsive, to the point of simple obsession with controlling one's appetite" (Jean Kilbourne, 1999), it is obvious that high school girls at Wykeham Collegiate are negatively affected, both mentally and mentally. or physically and that this was caused by the mass media.