21st Century Beauty Standards | Bianca Pazzanese | TEDxSGBIS Youth

Beauty Standards & Media Influence - Advertising significantly impacts beauty standards in the 21st century, shaping perceptions of ideal appearances [1] - The prevalence of editing, Photoshop, and filters raises questions about who controls beauty definitions and their motivations [2] - Social media exposure at a young age can lead to unrealistic beauty expectations, fueled by heavily edited images [2][3] - Historical perspectives reveal that beauty ideals have evolved over time, influenced by cultural and societal factors [4][5][6] - Readily available editing software exacerbates the issue, blurring the line between reality and illusion in beauty representations [7] Negative Impacts - A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicated that 62% of girls feel insecure due to social media [8] - JAMA Pediatrics reported a 37% increase in hospitalization for eating disorders from 2016 to 2019, with media influence cited as a key factor [8] - Media often promotes toxic messages that pressure women to conform to unrealistic weight and appearance standards [9] Positive Trends & Solutions - Some brands are challenging these norms by showcasing real women and unedited photos, leading to increased sales (e.g., Aerie's 26% sales increase) [10][11] - Awareness and media literacy are crucial tools for combating the manipulation of beauty standards in advertising [12] - Advertisers and creatives have a responsibility to consider the impact of their work on young audiences [13]