The Effects of the Media on the Body Image of Preteen GirlsThe media is infamous for having a huge effect on teenage girls. Mass media has long been criticized for presenting unrealistic appearance ideals that contribute to the development of a negative body image in many women and girls (Harrison & Hefner, 2006). Whether it was their influence on their choice of friends, their school or their self-image, the media played a significant role in these decisions. A growing number of experimental studies have demonstrated a causal link between acute exposure to "thin ideal" images (i.e., images of impossibly thin and attractive female beauty) and body dissatisfaction increased (Hargreaves and Tiggemann, 2003). It has recently been suggested that the media influences pre-adolescent girls, which is very likely since most young girls idolize Barbie (Rintala & Mustajoki, 1992). “If Barbie were a flesh-and-blood woman, her height would be 39% smaller than that of anorexic patients, and her weight would be so low that she would not be able to menstruate” (Rintala & Mustajoki, 1992). Most young girls wish they could look like Barbie when they grow up, but if they knew the reality of her measurements, their perceptions would likely change. Children often fantasize about who they will be, what they will do, and what they will look like when they become adults. Advertisers use unnaturally thin women and even airbrush them to make them appear thinner. These advertisers promote a body image that is completely unrealistic and impossible to achieve (Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2006b). It has been instilled in these advertisers that a thinner model will sell more (Hargreaves & Tiggemann, 2003). The media have a direct...... middle of paper ......young girls: a prospective study. Developmental Psychology, 42(5), 929-936. Hargreaves, D.A. and Tiggemann, M. (2003). “Thin ideal” female media images and boys’ attitudes toward girls. Sex Roles, 49(9/10), 539-544. Harrison, K. and Hefner, V. (2006). Media exposure, current and future body ideals, and eating disorders among preadolescent girls: A longitudinal panel study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35(2), 146-156.McCabeLina, MA and Ridge, AR (2006). “Who thinks I need a perfect body?” Adolescents’ perceptions and internal dialogue about their bodies. Sex Roles, 55(5-6), 409-419. National Eating Disorder Association (2006). The media, body image and eating disorders. Retrieved October 11, 2008 from http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.orgRintala, M. and Mustajoki, P. (1992). Could models get their periods? British Medical Journal, 305, 1575–1576.