Ananya+Subramaniam+RP+Post+5

The effect that media has on self perception is all encompassing. Media images present certain body images as ideal, known as the thin ideal, and have been shown to cause certain emotions in women. In one source that I used, a study was conducted in which when women were exposed to images of ultra thin models, regular models, or no models. Following exposure to these images, cases of depression, inferiority, and general low mood increased exponentially. **This demonstrates that** the power that media does have to influence us, our thoughts, our actions, and most critically our self perception which causes these thoughts and actions (Stice and Shaw). Another source I had made the point that social media can be destructive to a person's self-esteem. **The author argues** that social media causes the creation of a real self and the "perfect" social media self, and this distinction can cause smiling depression, **and I agree because** I am aware that people develop these versions of themselves. **I wholeheartedly endorse what the author calls** the creation of the false self, as I know everyone, mysef included, only posts ideal photos and thoughts, not all the photos and thoughts I have. Thus we are all creating this ideal version of ourselves, and subconsiously comparing ourselves to it, without even realizing as we are doing so (Sunstrum). Another source of mine was an article on the effects of social media and the toll it has taken on individuals. This author also stresses the point of the ideal self, and the misalignment between the real and ideal selves that is causing negative effects on people's self esteems. **Americans today tend to believe that** social media is just a way to put ourselves out there, but the version of ourselves we expose is usually not true to life, which can be extremely dangerous for self confidence. This author was different in that she brought up possible solutions to the problem, like using the ideal self as a goal to pursue, thus counteracting the negatives of social media and using them for positive reasons (Green). Additionally, another source, a personal "blog-like" account of an individual was so personal and moving that it canged my treatment of the topic altogether. The author describes her journey, and how the media and her view of the perfect life, and that that is expected for all individuals has fueled her struggle throughout life. **According to the author**, "Every day young women see images and think, If only I were that thin, people would like me. If only I looked like the girl in the magazine maybe I would be more successful. Women are always wondering if they will ever be enough for what anyone would want to love or be around." This source spoke to me the most, and gave me a true understanding of the value of my research question, as it does play a major role in the lives of most people today.