mason+Part+B

__ PDHPE Part B __ An examination of how Digital and Print Media* represent Adolescence. What myths or realities are represented? Be sure to reflect on how these sources may affect an early adolescent experiencing these changes and their ability to cope?

When you open a magazine all you see is good looking people, bright colours and brand new shiny stuff. But the images portrayed on the front covers and on the main pages aren’t what they look like.

When big magazine companies want to create a front cover of a person they want it to look perfect. They use a number of techniques to change a person appearance to make them look skinnier, prettier and more handsome. The techniques used by the media include: · The picture in the front cover of the magazine isn’t what was photographed, they alter the image by special types of computer programs · The media advertise stereotypes to sell more products · They prepare the models before each photo. This can take up to 5 hours for the model to get ready.

The messages that the media sends to teenagers all over the world effect their physical appearance, social confidence and feeling about them self. The images reflected to children include: · It is more important to look good but it doesn’t matter about a person’s personality. · That to be a man you have to be tough and well built · That to be an attractive women you have to be skinny and have big boobs · Physical appearance is much more important than personality · Women have to wear tight clothes that show half their body naked · Have to wear makeup were ever they go · Body changes such as plastic surgery is good for a person because it makes them look better

Advertising in teen magazines always show celebrities and good looking men and women. As studies have shown the general weight of models is about 23% less than an average woman. The messages that are represented in magazines, billboards and television everyday and affect teenagers self esteem about their body drastically. When people open the magazines there self esteem of their body changes because they see a better body shape in the magazine that they want. This makes them unhappy with their body features and makes them want to change it or hide it.