Can idealised images of models in media have a positive effect on ordinary people?

 Social media has become very popular over the last few years. On one hand, it has helped people to communicate and keep in touch with friends and loved ones. However, it also has brought a lot of idealised images of models that every day are posted and shared for everyone to see. Regarding the late, it is argued whether these images can help people somehow or, on the contrary, have a negative effect on them. This brief essay will present what research suggests.

 Since the number of “likes” is considered a measure of success, many celebrities work very hard to post images of them looking happy, healthy and in good shape. It is difficult to say if this is really the case, but it certainly attracts millions of people who enjoy thinking that it is possible to be just like them. Especially female undergraduate students, as some research suggests. They reported to have felt encouraged to take care of their bodies by exercising, eating healthy food and motivated to wearing fancy clothes.

 However, recent research also showed that young women were in the worst mood and feeling unhappier with their appearance after they made social media comparisons. They even started thinking about doing unhealthy weight-loss activities. These findings are consistent with other research suggesting that envy, depression and body dissatisfaction are related to social media appearance comparisons. Although these studies only tested young women, research suggests there may be similar patterns for men and people of different ages. 

In my opinion, it depends on the mental health and maturity of each person on how they take the idealised images that are posted on social media. If someone feels that their self esteem is affected by those images, it may be a good idea to unfollow the celebrity or friend who makes them feel unhappy.