Media in its many forms--television, internet, magazines, and on and on--have an effect on how girls view themselves and those around them. This is a statement that sounds pretty obvious but I'm sure a question you may have is, "Yeah, but how?" How does the media we consume get into our heads and alter the way we see ourselves and others? What do they do? What do we do?
The Girl Scout Research Institute conducted a number of studies to look at this very issue of how various forms of media influence the ways in which girls see and treat their own bodies, their own minds, and the bodies and minds of those around them--particularly other girls.
This research is broken down into four areas: Real to Me, how girls relate to reality TV in their own lives; Who's That Girl?, a survey focused on what girls show on social media sites; Beauty Redefined, that talks about fashion and body image; and The Net Effect, which asks girls how they're spending their time online. Each area has useful tips for both parents and girls to talk about these topics, address important questions that come up and use the media for good, rather than not-so-good.
So the next time you flip on the television and watch an episode of reality TV or catch a commercial, or go online to look at a music video, or even plug into your favorite playlist think about what you're listening to or seeing and how it affects you--do you judge other girls for not looking a certain way? Do you feel left out because you don't see girls or women who look like you? Do you sometimes leave out parts of your personality in what you show your online friends? Always keep asking those questions and open up a dialogue with adults you trust when you feel the need to.
Til next time...
Ashley
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