Explain how media can influence self esteem and self awareness negatively
Media can influence self esteem and self awareness negatively through the portrayal of unrealistic and unattainable standards of beauty, success, relationships, and overall lifestyle. When individuals are constantly bombarded with images and messages that suggest they should look a certain way, have a certain level of wealth or status, or behave in a certain manner in order to be considered attractive or successful, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and low self worth.
Additionally, media often promotes comparison between individuals, highlighting those who seemingly have it all and making others feel like they are lacking in some way. This can lead to a cycle of negative self talk, self doubt, and self criticism as individuals strive to meet these unrealistic standards and feel like they are constantly falling short.
Moreover, the constant exposure to idealized and often airbrushed images of perfection can distort individuals' sense of reality and lead to a skewed perception of themselves and others. This can create feelings of dissatisfaction, resentment, and self loathing as individuals strive to achieve an unattainable and unsustainable ideal.
Overall, the negative influences of media on self esteem and self awareness can lead to a variety of psychological issues such as poor body image, low self esteem, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. It is important for individuals to be mindful of the messages they are consuming and to challenge and critically analyze the portrayals and representations they see in the media in order to foster a healthy and positive sense of self.