Is there a correlation between body image for girls and the use of new media, such as the internet, and more specifically, social networking sites?

An area of concern in American society today is the issue of self-image in girls, which oftentimes is negative and results in increased low self-esteem.  This issue takes on added significance when viewed in relation to developments in new media, now very much a part of our daily lives.  As social networking sites like YouTube expand, access increases and the power of cyberspace to impact the dynamics of various areas of social life becomes more widespread.   A recent episode of Dr. Drew called, ‘Why Teens Ask: ‘Am I Ugly?’, for example, hit home with some very disturbing information relating directly to media and girls’ self-image.  It appears that girls as young as eleven are posting videos of themselves on YouTube and asking that am-I-ugly question.  Unfortunately, the world is responding and most often negatively.  Within this context, the following research question takes on added significance: Is there a correlation between body image for girls and the use of new media, such as the internet, and more specifically, social networking sites? To address this research question, several studies and scholarly articles will be analyzed, including articles which specifically relate to social networking sites and their policies.