The Role of Media in Shaping Beauty Standards
Media has long been powerful in defining beauty standards. In the past, it promoted a narrow view, like Eurocentric features, slim bodies, and youth. But as media diversified, so did beauty representations. Now, there’s more acceptance of different body types, skin tones, and ages.

The movement to change beauty perception in the US and globally focuses on diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity:

• Social media has made beauty more democratic, showing various appearances.
• Body – positivity messages challenge unrealistic standards.
• The beauty industry is expanding its product range and markets. For example, the haircare industry now uses “textured hair” instead of “ethnic hair”.
• Different generations have different beauty views. Millennials are more inclusive, and Gen Z is redefining beauty norms.

However, challenges remain:

• AI – generated content can still promote unrealistic beauty standards.
• Some social media body – positivity posts have contradictory messages, like promoting weight loss or thinness.