Movies are a huge part of not only youth culture but social culture in general, this form of media and technology is constantly viewed by the public and thus these images of bodily perfection regularly become the envy of under developed teens, yet to fully undergo puberty. Striving to achieve this unattainable false portrayal will inevitably lead to disappointment and thus the youth turn to consumerism to help aid them in their mission to become ‘perfect’.
Movies and TV shows that present teenage characters, generally tend to use actors/actresses aged 23-30 who are fully developed. These performers also tend to have a team of stylists to choose their clothes and adjust their hair and make-up. The everyday teen wont have access to this beautification, nor will they have access to the extensive wardrobes and products used. Ultimately, the teenagers we see on screen are ‘perfected’ and do not accurately represent the troubled, acne-ridden, self-discovering youths of today. The real youths, upon seeing this image and de-valuing themselves based on it, can become self-conscious or anxious due to their failure to achieve ‘perfection’. This can lead to many mental health problems, which I will discuss in further detail later on.
Millennials.