The Effects of Social + Body Image

DEAR DEAR GLOBALGIRLS GLOBALGIRLS

...

Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall pg.4

Timeline of Female Beauty Standards pg 10-12

HARINI SANGEETHAM

SANDRA CHEAH

Reflection pg.5

Look at Her! pg.6-7

GRACE WENTZEL

MONTANA LAGAT

Body image is important. But not the way you think it is. pg.8

SACHINTHANI KETAKUMBURA The TV's Reflection pg.9

KELLEY KWOK

MEET GALICIA! cover designed by Caroline Goodselll

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Dear GlobalGirls

Dear GlobalGirls

dearglobalgirls.org

OUR MESSAGE: Dear GlobalGirls and fellow readers, Dear GlobalGirls is a monthly digital magazine dedicated to educate, inspire, and empower young girls around the globe. Our mission is to empower girls through educating them on current events and social issues, highlighting young girls who show leadership in their communities, and overall creating a welcoming and resourceful space. Founded by two Generation Z high school students from New York City, we strive to encourage girls to speak out for themselves, inspiring them to become the next leaders of our generation.

This month’s topic focuses on social media’s effects on body image. Our team worked diligently applying their own experiences with social media, to depict the horrendous outcomes many women have sadly endured. These stories are often unheard of and rarely shared, but are important to address. It is truly inspiring to see the voices of our writers come to life on paper, and we hope this month's magazine fosters interest in spreading body positivity and reconsidering the excessive time spent on social media. If you are interested in how social media specifically connects to enforcing beauty standards, be sure to read each piece and learn about the harsh reality many individuals face in our current generation.

Throughout this magazine, we hope you've learned something new and how addiction to social media has led to many wanting to achieve unrealistic body standards. Participate in the fight towards the end of body shaming, regardless of gender, race, religion, and sexuality. Let's work together to fight against body shaming. All people should feel confident and proud of their bodies without the worry of being looked down upon.

With these topics in mind, we are excited to see what is in store for Dear GlobalGirls as we continue to create monthly magazines serving to educate, inspire, and empower girls around the globe! We hope you take away a new piece of information and take your part in creating a more equitable society.

Lastly, a huge thank you to our team who have been dedicated to serving our organization in the creation of our monthly magazines. .

We’d love to hear all your thoughts and suggestions so please email us at dearglobalgirls@gmail.com to chat or give feedback.

Sincerely, Sandra and Talia (founders)

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL by: Harini Sangeetham Body shaming has been a widespread issue in recent years. Youth begin to care about their appearance, question their self-worth, and compare their body to others. A healthy perception of their body indicates that females feel comfortable about their body. Females feel content with the body they have when they have high self-confidence and value their personality more than how they look. The counterpart is when women have a negative body image. Thoughts like “I hate how I look,” “I don’t like my body,” “it’s disgusting” and “I need to lose weight to look good” occur while looking at their reflection. When insecurities and doubts overpower the positivity, mental health can plummet drastically. howells Negative thoughts and feelings don't just appear randomly. There are many reasons why girls experience negative thoughts. One factor is bullying. Many girls grow up in a toxic environment which leads them to start believing what others say about their body even if it’s wrong. They have doubts because they feel others will judge them based on how they look. In addition, peer pressure is another big factor. Body image and maintaining a slim and toned body is something society sees as vital to "fitting in." Social media plays a big role in spreading these lies and promote the idea of losing weight.

mirror, mirror

Here are some recommendations and tips to improve mental and physical health. The very first step is to talk to trusted friends or family. Sometimes it might seem scary, but it will allow you to feel better. If being social is not your forte, then write or type down what you feel on a notebook or laptop. Another option is to talk in a support group with other women who have gone through similar experiences, as they will really understand. However, if the effects of body imaging are severe, it is best to get professional help such as a doctor, counselor, or therapist. Take some time to reflect by yourself about what’s going on. Look at motivational quotes, poems, magazines, and photos about body imaging to bring hope and positivity.

Remind yourself every day that you have imperfections but that is what makes you beautiful and unique.

The consequences of a negative body image are very detrimental. In the process of accomplishing the “ideal” body, eating disorders such as anorexia can develop.

Social withdrawal such as staying home and not socializing starts to occur because people want to avoid the judging looks and comments. It can even lead to dangerous effects such as self-harming as a form of release or a distraction. All of these effects are lifechanging and harmful.

reflection reflection reflection reflection reflection we are bombarded with infographics and explanations, given the list of reasons. why it’s perfectly all right to be happy with yourself, lucky that our society is trying its best, grappling with its fear of the power of our bodies and, sure, there’s some progress to be made. but give us some more time. in the list of societal priorities you are not first. i’m not a patient person. not even two decades spent here and I am just so tired. watching the world we’ve created for the youth, reflective screens where you have to ignore captioned images that tell you that you shouldn’t be happy with what you are. and instead should always be caught in the thought that you are not perfect and, therefore, worth less. and it’s not easy. it should be. but i have taught myself to appreciate every square inch of me. that beautiful construction of cells biology intricately keeping me zoetic. it’s incredible, his body that allows me to do so much and i wouldn’t change it for the world let alone for you.

~Grace Wentzel

BY: MONTANA LAGAT

LOOK AT HER! Social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, and the internet as a whole offer numerous benefits in regard to instant communication and access to information, but at what cost? The negative effects that social media has on today’s youth and adults are unable to be ignored any longer as they can be detrimental. From mental health issues to low self-esteem, the toll taken on the public by social media has proved to be dangerous, especially to youth. That is why it is our responsibility to empower others and remind ourselves of our unique identities and lives.

UBIQUITOUS ASSIMILATION: the absorbing of information at all times.

This concept is especially relevant today as the constant bombardment of information in the forms of videos, pictures, and other media types become overwhelming at times. At a young age, our brain’s neuroplasticity requires our brains to think differently and adjust according to different life experiences. Billboards with women who have hourglass figures are just one ubiquitous example of a stereotypical model-like physique that is promoted in society. Viewing one of these gigantic signs can alter our thinking and make us believe we need to look like that to be valued or loved, but, believe it or not, we view content like that every day for years.

UNREALISTIC STANDARDS

The magazines we look through with tall, thin models adorning their covers present a new issue. Today, teens and young adults, especially females, feel insecure about their bodies due to the preset beauty standards set by society. Oftentimes, we associate beauty with a small waist, eurocentric facial features, slim legs, and clear skin. However, why do we associate those certain features with “beauty?” Because we have always been shown the “ideal” body type or have been told what we should look like. The use of social media sites only exacerbates body image issues among men and women alike. According to Matt Keracher, the author of a1 U.K. mental health report on a study called #StateOfMind , “Instagram draws young women to compare themselves against unrealistic, largely curated, filtered and Photoshopped versions of reality.”

We sometimes compare ourselves to others on social media when, unbeknownst to us, those images are actually edited. So, we basically try to emulate someone else who doesn’t even look like that. However, it still may be difficult to deal with personal negative thoughts about oneself.

Fighting Body Standards1 1Iraheta, Kelly, and Ivy Delgadillo. “Fighting Body Standards.” Youth Voices, 28 Apr. 2019, www.youthvoices.live/2019/04/26/fighting-body-standards/.2Fox, Kara.

“Instagram Worst App for Young People's Mental Health.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 May 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/05/19/health/instagram-worst-social-networkapp-young-people-mental-health/index.html.3Phillips, Katharine. “Prevalence of BDD.” BDD, 10 Jan. 2019, bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/prevalence.

The neverending desire to “fit in” or to look a certain way takes a toll on our minds and can lead to numerous mental health issues. The use of social media has been linked to causing mental illness in teens from general anxiety to eating disorders. Body dysmorphia is a mental condition that makes someone constantly point out flaws in their appearance that are sometimes not visible to others. The condition also leads to shying away from picture taking or social events and can cause depression over time. 1 in 50 people has body dysmorphia3. That is considering how many people there are in the U.S. alone and the numbers of those with connected mental conditions continue to grow over time as immediate access to mass media increases alongside it. Similar disorders have been linked to excessive browsing of social media channels. Especially during COVID-19, we spend more time on our mobile devices, so we must become and remain aware of the possible effects of social media and know how to prevent negative thoughts stemming from those media channels.

There are numerous ways to avoid being negatively impacted by social media.

One way that we can limit the negative effects of social media is to limit our time on social platforms. Although it may seem difficult, the less time we spend looking at posts that make us question our own worth, the less prone we are to developing mental disorders.

Another way that we can avoid this is to keep your accounts private. This prevents anyone you don’t want to view your content from viewing your posts and allows only your friends to post comments on your page. Harmful comments from others are a contributing factor that leads to anxiety and depression. It is unhealthy to believe that what you look like defines your worth or value as a person.

Using these methods are great steps to reduce the negative effects of social media, but limiting time spent on social media and increasing privacy is not enough.

Internal development is the key to long-term success and recovery. Following public figures that support body positivity and challenging your negative thoughts with positive ones are easy ways to build up your self-confidence and work towards a healthier mindset. Everyone is unique and cool in their own special way and no one can take that away from you.

Sienna Maetik tok influencer and advocate for body positivity

Now, I challenge you. The next time you find yourself talking poorly about yourself, try to think, “would I say that about my best friend?” If not, then turn your negative thoughts into positive ones and repeat an uplifting mantra to yourself. The next time you think that your body is not perfect, remember that it is great just the way it is. Remember that your purpose is to shine and be different, not to fit in. If you find it is too hard to speak to a friend or family member and your negative thoughts continue for long periods of time, it is best to seek the help of a medical professional or therapist who will help you take the first steps towards regaining your selfesteem and to rebuilding yourself. Remember that you will not be judged if you do decide to get help from someone else and that you are only going to get better. Always know that we are all sisters and that you are perfectly you!

Fighting Body Standards1 1Iraheta, Kelly, and Ivy Delgadillo. “Fighting Body Standards.” Youth Voices, 28 Apr. 2019, www.youthvoices.live/2019/04/26/fighting-body-standards/.2Fox, Kara.

“Instagram Worst App for Young People's Mental Health.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 May 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/05/19/health/instagram-worst-social-networkapp-young-people-mental-health/index.html.3Phillips, Katharine. “Prevalence of BDD.” BDD, 10 Jan. 2019, bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/prevalence.

body image is IMPORTANT. BUT

not the way you think it is.

Body image is a topic that has an unspoken meaning behind it. It is something that needs a change in the present idea that it holds.

'Body image' is important. But not the way we think it is.

The way we keep our body or the way we maintain it; the way we protect our 'body image' will show how much we love the body that we live in.

There's a whole list of reasons apart from these to say that body image is important.

You haven't showered in weeks because you didn't want to will show how unhygienic you are. You didn't take care of your skin properly, because you may get a skin disease. You haven't reached the proper weight range according to your height, which could become a health risk factor.

It is important because it will show your health and hygiene.

If you do what it means to have not a beautiful or a handsome body but a healthy body, then you have accomplished the actual goal of body image.

But for us, what DOES body image mean?

Social media and its trends/culture that goes viral crossing borders has made a lot of us forget the true meaning behind the phrase 'body image.'

We see a photograph of a beautiful girl on Instagram or Facebook and think to ourselves, "Why can't I be beautiful like that?"

We see a slim lady with the perfect figure and think to ourselves, "Why do I have to be so skinny?" or "Why do I look so fat? " or "Why can't I look like her/him ?"

These words 'fat' or 'skinny' or 'ugly' or any word along those lines are nothing but labels.

There's one great lesson we all have to learn in life. It is that society will judge you no matter what. They will give you labels, labels that will define you whether you deserve it or not. There was a time where even I lived MY life based on the labels defined by society's opinions, judgments, labels, and definitions. But now that I let my own opinions be the definition of who I am, life feels amazing. Believe me, if you are the one who defines who you are, life WILL feel great.

How many of us take a last look in the mirror before leaving the house? How many of us take thousands of selfies just to select one perfect picture to post on social media?

How many of us stare at a scale thinking we are too fat or too skinny?

Think about it for a moment.

Do we do this just to please ourselves and feel beautiful or to rank ourselves on an 'outer beauty scale'?

There's a piece of wisdom I have read, "If opinions or the judgments of the world are the things that motivate you to do something then it is not you but the world that controls you."

So keep in mind that the world will always try to give you labels, but it is your choice whether you will let them be the definition of who you are or not.

If you can truly believe the fact that you are beautiful just the way you are, then you have accomplished one of the most important steps to loving yourself.

Sachinthani Ketakumbura

THE TV'S REFLECTION the tv’s reflection shows me compared to the beautiful actress “i want to look like her” Why? You look beautiful Because you Are beautiful And that TV reflection of you Looks beautiful Because it’s you, Your body.

And the TV Is making you think things, Because the TV gets to decide what is beautiful.

Because the TV gets to decide if you’re beautiful But you can’t let the TV win, because you are beautiful, because you are here, and I think you look stunning.

And now, you get to decide That you are beautiful.

KELLEY KWOK

A TIMELINE OF FEMALE BEAUTY STANDARDS

by Sandra Cheah

Roaring Twenties 1920s Women in the 1920s sought an androgynous look. They wore bras that flattened their chest and wore clothing that gave them a curve-less look.

Flat Chest Downplayed Waist Short Bob Hairstyle

Golden Age Of Hollywood 1930s – 1950s The boyish figure trend didn’t last for long. Fast-forward a decade and the hourglass figure is back.

Marilyn Monroe was the epitome of the ideal body type at this time.

Curves Hourglass Figure Large Breasts Slim Waist

Swinging Sixties 1960s Willowy Thin Long, slim Legs Adolescent Physique

After a lengthy period of Hollywood trends, beauty standards transitioned from an hourglass figure to a supermodel.

Supermodel Era 1980s Athletic Svelte, but Curvy Tall Toned Arms

Heroin Chic 1990s Waifish Extremely Thin Translucent Skin Androgynous

The 60s set about the idea of having a model-like figure, but the 80s brought about an exercise-crazed phenomenon. Workout videos were everywhere, encouraging women to be thin and fit.

The 80s saw an increase in health issues such as anorexia, but the 90s saw this as "chic." The celebrated body of this time period was a woman who looked thin, frail, and neglected.

Model Kate Moss was the epitome of this era

Postmodern Beauty 2000-TODAY Flat Stomach ‘Healthy’ Skinny Large Breasts + Butt Hour glass

As we know it, people nowadays seek hourglass figures, flat stomachs, and toned muscles. There has been increasing use of items such as waist trainers, manifesting, and even plastic surgery in order to achieve this body type.

HOW DO YOU SEE THESE STANDARDS AFFECTING WOMEN AND GIRLS NOWADAYS?

HOW DO THESE STANDARDS AFFECT YOU? WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE NEXT BEAUTY STANDARD, OR IF YOU THINK GEN Z WILL ELIMINATE THESE PERCEPTIONS AS A WHOLE? DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF GEN Z ;)

MESSAGE US YOUR THOUGHTS ON INSTAGRAM @DEARGLOBALGIRLS! https://www.scienceofpeople.com/beauty-standards/

Gen Gen Z Z of of The The Month Month GALICIA GORDON Galicia Gordon is the Founder and ExecutiveDirector of Leading Learners, a global platform supporting students through free and accessible resources. With over 100, 000 students impacted globally, Leading Learners has become the one-stop platform for free student resources. Leading Learners has reached students from all corners of the world, including students from Harvard, Columbia, McGill, Oxford, among several top tier institutes.

Over the course of one year, Galicia has notably promoted over $4 Million dollars in scholarships and thousands of supportive tools to her thousands of underprivileged student visitors every month. Galicia leads Leading Learners to achieve educational equity and actively cultivates a community of underprivileged minorities, diverse socioeconomic statuses, and students from isolated communities. She has had several media features, such as a UBC podcast, congratulating her efforts within her venture. Galicia has landed her mark with a life-changing, unique organization for students, being the only platform to offer completely free, updated, and accessible resources to people of all ages and backgrounds. In one of her supporters' words from the University of Bristol, Leading Learners is "the most extensive and resourceful student platform." With backing from education governmental leaders, Leading Learners has been named 'the insightful, comprehensive resource for students.' Galicia's Non-Profit Organization has been a direct assistant to the UN's SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 11 (Sustainable Communities), solving student's unaccessible discrepancy between free and credible resources. The organization is targeting the many unheard stories of students with academic struggles and financial barriers.

IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Young girls and women struggle with access to education globally, and when they are able to have a spot in the system, the struggles that come are very challenging to overcome. One of the most prominent, Imposter Syndrome. Personally, I believe Imposter Syndrome is not discussed enough, especially during students' academic times. If you begin to see yourself shifting your priorities towards your work above personal well being, this is the time to bring awareness to the fact that you are a person who deserves time to yourself. Know that, although you may be a needed member of your community, your mind and body should take the lead. Begin by bringing attention to your change in mindset, and identify which seeping elements could be improved, for the better.

-GALICIA GORDON

Our February 2021 Team THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATION!

LAUREN BYUN

CAROLINE GOODSELL

HEAD DIRECTOR

MAGAZINE COVER DESIGNER

HARINI SANGEETHAM WRITER

EVA EAPEN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFS + CO-DIRECTORS OF WRITING

GRACE WENTZEL

MONTANA LAGAT

WRITER

SACHINTHANI KETAKUMBURA WRITER

TALIA CASKEY

KATELYN HOWARD

WRITER

KELLEY KWOK WRITER

SANDRA CHEAH