While the child-like images of women in the media may be one factor that has led to the tale-spin of eating disorders in society today, it is not the only cause to blame. The media obviously does not cause every teenage girl to develop an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. The fact is, that if a women’s life situation and genetics open up a pathway for an eating disorder, it will most likely occur regardless of whether or not the media plays a part. Children are taught early on in life that appearance matters from the time when they are little and are told that they look so cute. We grow up in a society that is overly focused on connecting how we look to how well off our life will be. The media, however, helps to foster this environment and magnify the situation. Diet ads constantly send the message that to be happy one must be thin. Most models and actresses have undergone plastic surgery to change their appearance and those that have not are digitally enhanced before brought in front of the viewers. Although there are many commercials out there that seem to be focusing on eating such as fast food commercials, these are outnumbered by the amount of presence in the media that fosters the thin ideal. While the media is not the only factor to cause eating disorders, it seems to be the one that should be held the most responsible. The people behind the media are purposefully taking steps to develop this unrealistic view that thin is in.

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