Anitel, Stefan, (2007). Girls’ Sexual Development is Negatively Affected by Massive Media Sexualization. Retrieved from softpedia online web site: http:// news.softpedia.com/news/Girls-Sexual-Development-is-Negatively-Affectived-by-Massive-Media-Sexualization-47417.shtml

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Anitel begins this article with a statement from the APA, stating that the current boom of sexualized stereotypes of girls comes with negative effects to the girls’ self-image and healthy development. I could’t agree more. I don’t think people realize how much girls are influenced by what is around them, especially when their body type or body image isn’t what is “desired” throughout the media. Researchers, according to Anitel, assessed that content and effects of all forms of media, from television, music videos, music lyrics, magazines, movies and internet advertising all affect these areas of self-esteem and sexualization in young girls. Beyond the media, peer influences are also a major impact in these young girls self-esteem and self-visualization.

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According to Dr. Zurbriggen, chair of the APA task force, “we have ample evidence to conclude that sexualization has negative effects in a variety of domains, including cognitive functioning, physical and mental health, and healthy sexual development”. These are very serious things that we as a society need to consider and the media should take these issues into consideration. Low self esteem and self image distortion can be extremely detrimental to mental and physical impairments that can lead to serious depression. In adolescents this is specifically harmful because it can shape their views of themselves from here on out. According to Dr. Zurbriggen and the APA, “Schools should teach media literacy skills to all students and should include information on the negative effects of the sexualization of girls in media literacy and sex education programs. The goal should be to deliver messages to all adolescents-boys and girls-that lead to healthy sexual development.”

Girls' Self-Esteem and the Media