The effects of the media on the body image of pre-adolescent girls The media is famous for having an extraordinary effect on teenage girls. The mass media has long been criticized for presenting unrealistic appearance ideals that contribute to the development of negative body images for many women and girls (Harrison & Hefner, 2006). Whether it is influencing choice of friends, school, or self-image, the media has played an important role in influencing such decisions. A growing number of experimental studies have demonstrated a causal link between acute exposure to “thin-ideal” images (i.e., images of incredibly thin and attractive female beauty) and greater body dissatisfaction (Hargreaves & Tiggemann, 2003). It has recently been pointed out that the media influences preadolescent girls, which is very likely since most girls idolize Barbie (Rintala & Mustajoki, 1992). “If Barbie were a real woman, her waist would be 39% smaller than that of anorexic patients, and her body weight would be so low that she would not be able to menstruate” (Rintala & Mustajoki, 1992 ). Most girls wish they could look like Barbie when they grow up, but if they knew the reality of having her measurements, their perceptions would likely change. Children often fantasize about who they will be, what they will do, and what they will look like when they become adults. Advertisers use abnormally thin women and even airbrush them to make them appear thinner. These advertisers promote a body image that is completely unrealistic and impossible to achieve (Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2006b). It has been instilled in the minds of these advertisers that a thinner model will sell more (Hargreaves & Tiggemann, 2003). The media has a direct view... middle of the paper... young girls: a prospective study. Developmental Psychology, 42(5), 929-936. Hargreaves, D. A., & Tiggemann, M. (2003). "Thin ideal" media images of women and boys' attitudes toward girls. Sex Roles, 49(9/10), 539-544. Harrison, K., & Hefner, V. (2006). Media exposure, current and future body ideals, and disordered eating among preadolescent girls: A longitudinal study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35(2), 146-156.McCabeLina, M.A., & Ridge, A.R. (2006). “Who thinks I need a perfect body?” Perceptions and internal dialogue among adolescents regarding their own bodies. Sex Roles, 55(5-6), 409-419. National Eating Disorder Association (2006). The media, body image and eating disorders. Retrieved October 11, 2008, from http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.orgRintala, M., & Mustajoki, P. (1992). Could mannequins menstruate? British medical journal, 305, 1575–1576.