Social Media and You

Social Media is the largest medium in which people communicate and connect with others.The issues and benefits to social media are well documented and circulated. It is understood that social media is here for the long run and a necessary evil (for those who view it as an evil).Our world reacts to the realm social media and social media reflects the world.As social media has become a large part of most of our lives,it has taken on a life of its own.Many experts now recommend the intentional regulation of social media and its individual use.However, this can be difficult when this medium is used to communicate with a plethora of social connections; family,friends,potential jobs,as well as the acquisition of new information.

What to Know

When the first social platform made its way online there was no rule book or understanding of its potential.With all the new information provided by social media there is also a large quantity of intelligence and research about these platforms.So how can we maximize social media’s positive effects (socializing,sharing/obtaining knowledge,meeting emotional needs etc.) while minimizing the adverse consequences (negative effects on mental health,removing attention from important tasks,reduction in actual human contact etc.)? Education and implemented balance. Education would ideally occur before or simultaneously with the introduction of freewheeling internet use. This is often not realistic but education on what social media is,it’s intended use,harms,benefits,demographics etc, should occur as soon as possible. As with most things in the life the sooner you learn the better. Social media education is not a part of school curriculum,but I believe it should be.Higher Education organizations already often use social media in and out of the classroom and in particular have been inclusive of relevant topics and current events.

What to Do

In the meantime what can you do to better understand social media and use it in the most beneficial manner? First, stay in the know. There is always new research coming out on social media and its impacts on ourselves and society. Many of us spend a substantial amount of time on social media but not any time reading about it. Reading up on a topic that is always relevant is crucial. Social media can be used for productive means or leisure. Identify your purpose of its daily use and allocate your time and energy accordingly.We can also use ourselves as test subjects. Rate your feelings after different duration of time on apps and after online interactions. After taking account of your feelings;good, bad, or indifferent make the necessary adjustments.Such as limiting exposure to certain apps or accounts. Specific apps may need to be deleted altogether. As well as,set boundaries. Boundaries on time spent,who you communicate with,what you share on social platforms and what you”ll consume.Also consider having break days where you do not use social media at all or very minimally if no use is not possible. People with jobs or hobbies that require social media may need to pay closer attention to their off-time use.

The Takeaway

Like most things in life social media is what you make of it. We have seen it be used for the worst of things e.g. harassment and cyber bullying and the best of things like influencers who are able to lead successful and flexible lives by making a living online. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle and often fall into the trap of mindlessly scrolling.This can be okay during downtime.Just make sure this is not happening to often or set a timer. Overall,I encourage you to make a conscious choice on what role social media will play in your life and adhere to your standards.

Mental Health in Euphoria

Does the show Euphoria accurately portray mental health?

The show “Euphoria” is a series that follows a group of high school students as they navigate the challenges during their adolescence years and it includes situations on drugs, sex, relationships, and mental health issues. The show explores themes of identity, trauma, and self-discovery. Having a strong support system is crucial for people struggling with mental health, and maybe just then less stigma and people would be more willing to seek help. The show is worth the watch, and through this show we are able to see and understand how difficult it is for someone to go through all these mental health issues and have a sense of understand towards people that are going through mental health issues and I think especially for psychology majors to view, but definitely as a psychology major I felt more empathic. Usually, people assume that people that struggle with mental health issues are all “unstable” or “dangerous” when that is far from the truth. Sometimes, we just need someone to understand and be there and for someone to listen. Euphoria did a portrayal of mental health issues, including addiction, anxiety, depression, and self-harm. However, while this show does portray a lot of mental health issues individuals might be going through themselves that watch this show, viewers might feel more empathic or feel like they understand or connect to a specific character, but no two people have the same exact story and experiences.

Does Euphoria promote more mental health stigma?

Euphoria helps to break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues and promotes a more empathetic understanding of the mental illness struggles that the characters each go throughout the show. People are usually very stigmatizing towards people that struggle with mental health issues. One example of how Euphoria addresses mental health issues and stigma is through the character of Rue, who struggles with substance abuse and bipolar disorder when she loses her father. The show portrays Rue’s journey with empathy and complexity, highlighting the challenges and complexities of living with mental illness. This article talks about how viewers related to some of these situations, which is important in a show This article talks about how viewers related to some of these situations, which is important in a show by Kaufman et al. pubmed. By having a show and being able to relate to a movie this can lead to more empathy, understanding, and personal growth as we the characters we can relate to navigate various challenges and overcome obstacles.  This show is one example of how people might view people struggling with mental health disorders. On one hand people that watch this show might still think negatively about people struggling with mental health disorder, or the flip side feel more understanding and empathic on how strong the characters still are and in working to become better. However, I think this would be up to the viewer to feel more stigmatizing towards people with mental health issues, or we can challenge our beliefs and open up the doors to talking about these mental health issues and be more understanding towards people that have mental health issues.

My thoughts and what we can look for the future on shows such as Euphoria.

Euphoria is one of the shows I think that teenagers and young adults should end up watching some point in their lives. I also hope to see discussions around important topics such as consent, and mental health awareness. The show has the potential to educate and spark important conversations among viewers, so it’s crucial that it continues to push boundaries and challenge norms in society. I definitely do think that some themes of violence, relationships, drugs and sex showcase around us as we grow up and we can understand and view just how difficult it was when watching some of our characters go through such difficult situations. We can definitely see that Rue was battling with drug addiction and we can see just how difficult it is to break the cycle on how she relapsed, as well as Fez selling drugs to survive and we see his little brother selling drugs with him just to survive, as well as that being all they knew when growing up. This also follows some of the other characters, Cassie that struggles with self esteem, body image and relationships and Nate on relationships and being a manipulator and his strained relationship with his father and how it impacts his relationships with others and in treating people. However, I do admit that this show was very graphic and mature but in a sense, educational for people to watch and be empathetic towards. Take away is, I think watching this movie is worth the watch to understand just how serious mental illness, drug addiction is, etc. and just how important it is to have the support of others and how all people that struggle with mental health disorders are not all “dangerous” as the stigma and media portrays them to be. Also that if there are more shows such as Euphoria, I think that this show can educate people more on mental health issues and that can lessen some of the stigma people have towards people with mental health issues and maybe that more people will seek help for mental health issues. Overall, I think that Euphoria is a powerful show that does raise awareness for social issues and I cannot wait to see what happens next in the show and how many important conversations people can have from this show. In the end of Euphoria, the movie leaves viewers with a sense of hope for a better tomorrow and I think overall can express to the reader, that overtime things might start to look up even in the darkest times. Euphoria overall is a good show and a good show that raises awareness on mental health and can spark conversations about mental health.

The Social Dilemma of the Decade

In the last few years, there has been a massive growth of online presence globally. The virtual space has taken over, and most people spend their free time on their phone. Our youth connects through screens, and there has been a notion of the internet now playing the role of “third spaces”. Along with all of this online presence and very virtually connected world, social media has found ways to make that connection stronger, specific apps such as TikTok and Instagram have made it so the available content and availability to connect with others all over the world is never-ending, everything is just one scroll away. My question is, how connected are we really? How are we as social beings being affected by this new wave? Is this harmful or helpful? How is this truly making an impact on our need for social interaction/connections? Well, one could argue that it depends. 

The Learning Argument

Although there have been many concerns on the effects of social media on people, most people who actively participate would argue it’s very useful. One cannot deny that fact, with access to an unlimited number of resources, opinions, perspectives, and life experiences, one would say that social media is the greatest thing that happened to humanity. From the ability that has been developed for apps to tailor the content you receive based on your interest, to the ability to look for a hashtag and find the answer to a question, a recipe, a recommendation or to simply find that sense of belonging are many of the beneficial aspects to social media and the wide access to the internet. Many argue it’s not only a place to connect but a place to learn, as our view has always been limited before the wide spread of short-term content. Now, with the online presence, we can all have access to all sorts of information, point of views and news outlets from all over the world, but do these benefits outweigh the negative outcomes that may proceed from our heavy online presence? 

Social Media’s Effects on Mental Health

Humans are social creatures, and therefore, the connection and interactions to others can relieve our stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. When speaking on social media, one would think that the presence of so much connection and identification with one another at our fingertips, would positively affect mental health and would fulfill that human need for social connections. Sadly, as research has found, that is not the case, often social media does the complete opposite. Social media has been shown during the last 10 years to aggravate the severity of mental health issues.  From the increased need for likeness and acceptance from complete strangers to comparisons to the most popular influences on, at the end of the day only forming surface connections instead of real-life ones. 

Are these negatives inevitable? What can we do? 

The negatives are many, as are the positives. Generations that have been mainly involved in this grand surge of social media tend to find a significant amount of positive or somewhat positive effects on their mental health. Although it’s almost impossible to control at the rate in which each individual decides to involve themselves in social media. What is possible, is to create awareness of the negative effects and present solutions, alternatives and approaches that allow the continued use of social media and the internet as a “third space,” to connect and find a sense of belonging, but still take into consideration, or rather allow for balance in order for these effects to not be drastic in the long term.

The Insidious Nature of Stereotypes: Practical Strategies to Challenge and Overcome Them

Introduction: 

Under the surface of our views, stereotypes subtly influence our attitudes, convictions, and communication. However, their influence frequently has significant negative effects that widen societal gaps and encourage prejudice and discrimination. Through this investigation, we expose the pernicious nature of stereotypes and provide ourselves with useful techniques to confront and overcome them.

Recognize the Power of Stereotypes

Recognizing the pervasiveness of stereotypes in our life is the first step in breaking them. Think for a moment and list the preconceived notions you have about other groups according to factors like age, gender, color, or other attributes. The first and most important step in removing the chains of preconceptions is raising awareness.

Educate Yourself:

Obtain information and insight by investigating many viewpoints and trustworthy sources. We have access to a wealth of information in the connected world of today. Explore beyond your comfort zone with books, articles, movies, and digital tools that will challenge your assumptions and extend your horizons. Examining sources critically guarantees a basis based on facts rather than biased stories.

Our Research: 

Stereotyping frequently infiltrates our assessments of someone’s dress, which frequently results in presumptions about their possible line of work. Because the human mind is wired to make snap judgments, it occasionally uses clothes cues to classify people. A person wearing a tailored suit, for instance, might be instantly connected to corporate jobs, whereas a person dressed casually might be perceived as working in a more laid-back setting. However, these presumptions can be deceptive and fail to take into account the complexity of people and their professional paths. Not only does attire-based stereotyping restrict our ability to understand individuals, but it also perpetuates societal prejudices regarding professions and what constitutes appropriate dress for them. Such conclusions can perpetuate inequality by preventing those who don’t follow dress codes from having opportunities.

Recent research on stereotyping by Alice Eagly, a psychologist at Northwestern University, suggests that stereotypes are not arbitrary or mysterious, but are grounded in the observations of everyday life. People form stereotypes based on inferences about groups’ social roles. For example, if a group is overrepresented in certain roles, people may extrapolate from the traits they believe are enacted in these roles and ascribe them to the entire group.

Eagly and her colleague Anne Koenig conducted a series of experiments to assess the importance of occupation roles in forming stereotypes. They found that stereotypes of each of the social groups matched the qualities that the participants ascribed to the typical occupations of the social group in question.

In addition, Eagly and Koenig found that stereotypes are not fixed or rigid. If enough members of a stereotyped group manage to break into new fields, prevailing stereotypes about them would likely change.

Overall, Eagly’s research suggests that stereotypes are based on observations of the kinds of social roles that group members occupy, and that they can change over time as the social roles of groups change.

Practice Empathy and Perspective-Taking:

It becomes clear that empathy is a powerful tool for promoting compassion and overcoming barriers. Put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to understand their feelings, ideas, and life experiences. Take part in activities that help you develop empathy and broaden your perspective so you may appreciate the richness and diversity of human existence. Empathy develops with deliberate effort, fostering inclusive societies and forging social relationships.

How to Cultivate Empathy

To practice empathy and perspective-taking, engage in the following exercises:

1. Imagine a day in the life of an individual from a different background: Put yourself in the position of someone with a different background and imagine what a normal day in their life might be like. Think about the difficulties they could face, the victories they cherish, and the subtleties of their everyday lives. Explore the complexities of their environment, including societal expectations and cultural conventions, and use the power of imagination to foster empathy. 
2. Listen actively and attentively: When interacting with people, especially when they are sharing personal stories, learn the skill of active listening. Give them your full attention and a sympathetic ear instead of interjecting or discounting their emotions. By paying close attention, we may validate the experiences of others, recognizing the intensity of their feelings and building compassionate relationships.
3. Reflect on your own experiences: Think for a moment about your personal experiences and how they might be different from those of people from different backgrounds. Examine the connections between privilege, misfortune, and identity while acknowledging the various glasses that each of us has to view the world through. Accepting reflection helps us develop self-aware empathy that bridges the gap between our experiences and those of others.

Challenge Stereotypes When Encountered

Stereotypes only gain more traction when there is silence. Raise your voice to challenge prejudicial presumptions in discussions, the media, and everyday interactions. Be equipped with data and proof to refute myths and support truthful portrayal. Every obstacle serves as a stimulus for learning and personal growth.

Foster Inclusive Environments

Promote diversity and inclusiveness by cultivating atmospheres that honor and respect each unique person. Create environments that value diversity and encourage respect for one another in the business, in schools, and in communities. Building a community based on acceptance and equality requires communication, cooperation, and understanding in order to tear down obstacles.

Conclusion: 

By exposing preconceptions and adopting workable solutions, we set out on a path to a more just and inclusive society. Let’s make a commitment to eschew prejudices and promote compassion, understanding, and harmony among the diverse range of humankind.

Mind Mender

Do you enjoy psychological films?

Guess what, though. Sometimes psychological films aren’t as they seem. It may not adequately represent the experiences of people with mental conditions. Run is a 2020 is a psychological horror thriller film written and directed by Changanty and Sev Ohanian. The film delves into themes of power, isolation, and the desire for freedom. The film’s theme revolves around a disabled adolescent who believes her mother is hiding a terrible secret about her life. Chloe, the child, suffers from a variety of medical issues.

Can movies like this promote a bad attitude towards people suffering from mental illnesses?

Characters suffering from mental illness are frequently portrayed as engaging in aggressive and unusual behavior. They are demonstrated to be far more violent than they are. Is that why some individuals view those who have mental illnesses as a threat real-world life? With an abundance of movies that portray these kinds of individuals as dangerous, it’s possible that people gain false information regarding mental illnesses on television.  It shapes their understanding of truth. Frequent film viewers may experience fear of being silenced since victims often believe no one will listen. Similarly, those with mental illnesses are viewed as potentially dangerous.  Despite its prevalence, the public’s view of mental illness is hidden by ignorance, fear, and debilitating social stigma.

Do individuals with psychological disorders avoid therapy?

Most psychological films highlight the tough process of rehabilitation for people suffering from mental illnesses. They also demonstrate how doctors mistreat patients with mental illnesses. Media portrayals of psychologists and individuals in therapy may influence people’s perceptions regarding counseling and mental illnesses, contributing to the development of self-stigma from the perspective of those receiving treatment.  It can be tough to seek treatment because they are concerned about the judgment they will face if they do.

Are mothers just portrayed as obsessed in movies, or does this happen in everyday life as well?

Yes, women can develop an obsession with their children, especially if they happen to be their only child or if they have been through a miscarriage or something tragic, and as a result, they become obsessed with protectiveness. For instance, a second gain comes from obsession, a belief by a lonely, isolated person that they are loved by someone else. The character Diane may have been terrified of being alone because Chloe was attempting to go to college. Diana feeds Chloe Dog medicines to prevent her from walking and to give the impression that she has some kind of infirmity. In the same way as Gypsy, her mother was administering a great deal of medication to her to give the impression that she was a child with a disability.  There is also psychological power, which includes manipulating and influencing children’s psychological and emotional states. Obsessive behavior with children can exist in real life, but it is frequently overdone in films. While society may regard the character as abnormal or unpleasant, it does not present a complete picture of the character. Gypsy Rose’s mother may have required care, but due to a lack of awareness regarding mental illness, she will be portrayed as insane.

Where do we go from here?

There aren’t many films that show empathy for mentally ill individuals; rather than stigmatizing and fearing those suffering from mental illnesses, it’s important to gain knowledge about the way specific mental disorders work, and we can do that by improving the representation of mentally ill within films. It will exacerbate mental illnesses. If society takes joy in removing stigma, future films may show mental illness more accurately, avoid portraying characters as dangerous, and instead render them approachable. Authors should take at least one psychology course to ensure accurate portrayals and an understanding of how misconceptions about mental illness affect society. However, as viewers, we may be able to push for greater representation.

First Impressions

What Makes Up a First Impressions?

Have you ever found yourself thinking what you are going to wear and what people may say about you? Everyone in their lifetime will experience a time where they are going to a job interview, and they are worried about what the person may think of them. Without even realizing it us humans tend to judge or be judge by others in a blink of an eye. After judging a person, we automatically assume that we know what that person is like. Was there ever a time where you saw a person for the first time, and you automatically told yourself that they are not someone you would want to be friends with.

Many of us don’t stop and think about what made us infer this judgment about the person. Was it the way they were dressed, their body language, or their facial features? In society we have witnessed people being judged for a variety of reasons. We will talk about the top reasons on how we come up with an impression about a person.

What should I wear!?

The biggest factor that comes to judging someone is their clothing. Your clothing is everything! Depending on what you are wearing people will think differently of you. If you show up to an interview in baggy clothes people may think that you are lazy and will not take the job serious. But if you come in with the proper attire you be demonstrating your professionalism. Not only is this seen in work world but also in social settings. I can probably imagine you have come across a video on TikTok where they are doing social experiments. People will dress up in horrendous clothing to see if people will help them out and the majority of times others are not willing to help because they are assuming this person is no good. There is a study in which states how a person’s clothing has a strong influence on helping us infer how this person is like. This can give us an idea of what a person’s personality may be like.

What my face says about me

Your facial expression has to a lot to say about you. If you are in a constant angry face people may find you non approachable. On the other hand, if you were to walk in and have a gentle smile many would find it comforting and would want to approach you. They could perceive your facial expression as friendly. There is a study conducted that explains different facial cues and how they may influence first impressions. The facial cues they mention are babyfaceness, familiarity, fitness, and emotional resemblance. Each of these have a different impression. For example, if you have the face of someone, they knew you are most likely to make a good impression on them. Race and Gender also has a role when it comes to your facial expressions. Someone may or may not like you because you are from a different culture and have different facial features.

Am I doing this Right?

Another factor that people notice during first impressions is your body language. Your nonverbals are very important, they can either make or break the deal. If you are seen with poor posture, eye contact, tone, hand movements, they may think poorly of you. Some things you may not want to do is slouch, move your hands all over the place when talking, not make eye contact at all. You want to be seen with proper posture and want to make sure you are smiling and making eye contact.

This is how First Impressions are made

These are the major three factors that you are to consider when wanting to make a good first impression. Also, when you are judging focus on what exactly is making you think that way about this person. Remember if you want to make a good impression remember to wear the appropriate clothes, have good body language, and good facial cues. Finally remember sometimes a person may give you the wrong impression but it doesn’t always mean they are like that.

4 Reasons Why you Need Mindfulness in your Life.

Mindfulness is the act of being present and thoughtful. It ranges from being present about brushing your teeth by feeling the herds of the brush swirl around your mouth to feeling the vibrations of your car while you’re driving to work. It is not about focusing on the bigger picture or the future, but rather, paying attention to the small details that make life… life.

One the most common mindfulness practices is meditation. Usually, instructors and guided meditations refer to mindfulness as “watching your thoughts pass by like clouds” instead of focusing on them and how they make you feel.

The first time I was introduced to mindfulness was in my senior year of high school. I felt overwhelmed about college decisions and life in general as a new adult. So, while I was looking for coping strategies to help with the anxiety that came with a new stage of my life, I found mindfulness.

Mindfulness is not a “cure” to every single sad feeling or pain to ever exist. It is more of a tool to remove oneself from our thoughts and all the noise from the outside world. So here are 4 reasons why you should practice mindfulness:

1.  Reduces stress.

Stress is not inherently bad. In fact, it is necessary for us to function and complete all our daily tasks. However, when stress is high, it can affect the way people live their day to day immensely. Studies have found that high levels of stress may lead to burnout, which is a state of poor mental and even physical health.

However, many psychologists have found that practicing mindfulness on a daily basis is related to a slight decrease in stress and manage it enough to get through daily tasks.

2. Helps with emotional regulation.

Emotional regulation is the capability of bringing oneself back to baseline when we are triggered. Sometimes you may feel sad because you got a low grade on an assignment you worked really hard on. Or maybe you feel anxious about a presentation that could affect the trajectory of your career. Maybe you are going on your first date with the person you really like and don’t know how to not be awkward with them yet.

But think about the impact that lack of emotional regulation has on someone who needs to be emotionally regulated to perform certain tasks at work. For example, nurses, who must take care of patients in a clinical and administrative setting are usually stressed due to long shifts and the nature of the illnesses they are treating.  A study by Hui Lui and Luya Kong found that introducing nurses to a daily practice of mindfulness can significantly reduce their levels of anxiety and depression.

In any of those cases, mindfulness may help to regulate those emotions of fear, sadness, and anxiety by reframing our thoughts from the uncertainty of the future to the present.

3. Improves physical health.

As stated above, high stress levels can even affect our physical health. High-stress levels are associated with autoimmune diseases. These diseases affect our immune system by attacking it when is not necessary.

Mindfulness can bring stress levels relatively lower than when one is not. Also, it brings awareness to the body and one can be more capable of identifying pain or hurt easily. Sometimes we are just running and running in the hamster wheel and don’t stop to feel our bodies.

Studies have found that there is a positive correlation with increasing mindfulness when performing physical activity, indicating that not only does it seem to help with performance but with mental health after the workout session.

4. Better relationship satisfaction

Since our mood and thought process is more grounded and we are more thoughtful when being mindful, it also helps with our relationships. Relationships are better when we can think about the other person and take their feelings into account, but also when we know what we are feeling and know how to communicate those feelings.

Mindfulness can help with finding out what your needs are to make sure you are getting your needs met, but also understanding where the other person comes from. A study by Sean Barnes and Kirk Warren Brown found a correlation between high levels of mindfulness and less severe emotional stress response, which is important in a relationship.

So, Mindfulness Will Change My Life?

In theory, it won’t change your life since it all depends on your circumstances. But it is good practice to have and lean on when life seems to be a little harder.

LGBT Stereotypes in Media and the Impact They Leave on LGBT Individuals

Every person has their form of self-expression, an extension of themselves, that allows others to draw their conclusions about who they are. Although stereotypes may affect the conclusions others make, these stereotypes can be harmful. While Americans have become more tolerant of the LGBT community, many are still intolerant, or downright hateful towards the community. While many groups have stereotypes against them, the LGBT community has been improperly represented in popular media for years. 

LGBT people in media vary based on genre. In comedies, the gay character tends to be sillier, the comic relief. They are one-dimensional, only seen as a source of laughter. In dramas, most gay characters are victims, or helpless. They lack any depth, and they are never portrayed in the role of the heterosexual characters they share the screen with. In movies and shows that have a queer character played by a queer actor, the character appears more authentic and pulls away from the harmful stereotypes mentioned above. Instead of always using these harmful stereotypes, we should instead start using them with a positive intent, as opposed to what the media has been doing. These stereotypes have been defined as dehumanizing by many studies, and it’s time we step in to make a change.

The Harmful Stereotypes 

Lesbians are stereotyped as straightforward, too honest, and direct. One character in popular media that falls into this stereotype is Santana Lopez in the TV series Glee. She is depicted as always telling people the honest truth in a mean way. Although many LGBT people in America draw inspiration from her due to her lack of fear about admitting her sexuality as a lesbian, this one positive takeaway from her character does not redeem her. The harmful stereotype of being direct and mean does more damage to the lesbian community due to the massive success of the show. 

Bisexual people are seen much more negatively than both lesbian women and gay men. Many people believe bisexual people are in a “transition stage” or are promiscuous and are only using the label to cover it up. Bisexual people are also seen as “confused” or often told to “pick a side.” This is not only from heterosexual people but from lesbian women and gay men alike. Being seen as promiscuous, confused, or in an in-between state of straight and gay causes many bisexual people to refrain from openly labeling themselves properly due to these harmful stereotypes. 

The LGBT community is seen as one minority group, even though many gender and sexual identities fall under the umbrella. While the community as a whole receives discrimination, research has found that the stereotypes against lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender people are all different from each other. Many stereotypes against gay and lesbian people are “neutral,” whereas the stereotypes against bisexual and transgender people are not. With all that being said, the LGBT community can never be a single entity due to the many different stereotypes that each identity under the “LGBT umbrella” face in their day-to-day lives.

A Positive Outlook

You know the saying, “Any press is good press?” That proverb can be applied to LGBT representation in modern media. While a lot of queer characters do have harmful stereotypes attached to them, the representation alone is doing great things for the community. With all the representation being seen on TV nowadays, people are becoming more tolerant of the LGBT community. One show on the Freeform network known as The Fosters had a whopping seven lesbian, gay, and transgender characters. The show’s co-creator Peter Paige is an activist and starred in the show Queer as Folk. He has desires to push the boundaries of LGBT media representation. With show creators, actors, and TV networks changing the script on how LGBT characters are portrayed, we can look forward to seeing positive changes in the upcoming years, in both media and the attitudes of consumers towards the LGBT community.

Regardless of the past negative stereotypes portrayed on screen, the steps modern media creators have taken to push the boundaries to allow for better and more accurate portrayals. This allows LGBT youth to understand what they are feeling, and that there is a whole community of people just like them. It also allows LGBT adults to see positive change in their community. They can watch these shows knowing that they are important for today’s youth without having negative connotations linked to the characters they love. 

Can Personal Style Reveal Your Sexual Orientation?

From the colors that we wear, to the jewelry we accessorize with, even down to the way that we walk and talk, our personal style choices and mannerisms can speak volumes about who we are as individuals. One’s personal style is not just about what we wear, but it can also be considered a visual manifestation of self-expression and identity. In recent years, acceptance and encouragement of diversity as well as openness to self-expression has accelerated. In turn, people feel comfortable to be more bold in their personal style and fashion choices. In most of America, it is considered fairly common to see people with brightly colored hair and piercings. Specifically, the LGBTQ+ community has historically used fashion and self-expression as tools of empowerment and building a sense of identity within the community. Topics like the concept of gaydar, being more likely to determine one’s sexual orientation if you, yourself identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, have been explored in the past. We know that stereotypes and personal beliefs play a role in our perception of others but can personal style really reveal one’s sexual orientation?

Perception: How we naturally make judgements

We as humans naturally categorize information in our brains and make judgements on others based on our own personal perceptions. Appearances, behaviors, and mannerisms are just some of the cues that we judge others on. How we choose to present ourselves to others is what makes up our personal style and this can serve as a strong cue for how others perceive us. Research has suggested that humans often assume the sexual orientation of others based on their appearance and personal style preferences. Studies have shown that individuals who break the barriers of gender conformity through their personal style are more likely to be perceived by others as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of their actual sexual orientation. 

Personal Style: How we express ourselves

Stereotypically, straight men who are keen on keeping up with their appearance have been coined as metrosexual. The concept of a heterosexual man paying attention to their personal style and showing interest in things typically associated with women or gay men suggests that individuals do make judgements on the appearances of others and associate them with certain sexual orientations. Another example similar to this scenario is the idea that the side of one’s nose piercing indicates their sexual orientation, a concept that is decreasingly acknowledged as society becomes more accepting and inclusive.

Similar to both identity and sexuality, hair can also be seen as fluid in that there are various different types of cuts, styles, and colors that you can change it to. Some individuals have a specific aesthetic which they stick to, others change their aesthetic depending on their mood. Members of the LGBTQ+ community may use their bold hair choices as a way to symbolize their alliance with the community and express their pride. Past studies have indicated that societal norms about appearance, including body modifications, are closely linked to expressing gender, but there is a need for more in depth research done on expressing personal style in connection with sexual orientation. 

Does personal style actually influence perceptions & judgments about sexual orientation?

It is important to take into account that perceptions and assumptions made about sexual orientation are multi-faceted and that many components besides personal style and appearance contribute to the way we perceive and judge others. Psychological research has shown that we as humans often rely on stereotypes and social cues to form judgements about others and their sexual orientations. Personal style, especially bold hair colors and body modifications, can serve as indicators of how we perceive others. Subjectively, one may view certain cues as indicators of a specific orientation, while another may view the same cues as indicators of the opposite sexual orientation. Our identities are not defined solely by one aspect of ourselves, not by what we wear, how we carry ourselves, or who we love. Certain styles and aspects of appearance may be correlated with how we perceive and judge others, but that does not mean our perceptions and judgements are always accurate. 

Mirror-Mirror

Exploring the Impact of Disney Princesses and Villains on Perceptions of Female Aging.

B2M Productions/Getty Images

BY MACIE WILSON

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Take a moment to close your eyes and picture a Disney princess. 

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Did your vision fit any of these characteristics?

• Youthful
• Petite 
• Fresh-Faced
• Lustrous Hair

If they did fit your vision, you may be surprised to know that behind these ageless facades lies a deeper narrative that shapes our perceptions of femininity, aging, and beauty in ways we may not even realize.

Let’s go beyond the magic mirror and unveil how these beloved characters are redefining what it means to age gracefully and our perceptions of others. Keep reading, and let’s explore this enchanting world together!

The Myth of Eternal Youth & Shattering its Illusion

Disney

At Disney and other film companies, eternal youth is not just a concept; it is a fundamental fairytale narrative. Like many fairytale stories, this one too has more than meets the eye. Within these stories, princesses’ value often hinges on their idealistic appearance of youth. Changing the story for real-life women who face the fate of aging, the pressures of societal values, and the relentless pressure to stay young; the message is clear:

Aging is to be feared, avoided, and ultimately defeated at all costs. 

Hidden among the shadows lurk Disney villains. In these animated stories, female villains are frequently portrayed with objectification and reductionism, their worth being measured by their outward appearance and actions rather than their inner complexity or character depth. Many of these villains have abnormal and deviant gendered characteristics, even some masculine physical traits, as suggested by Wellman. Furthermore, these characters commonly have physical characteristics that suggest extreme aging and decay. Villains are a stark contrast to their fresh faced, doe-eyed-foes. Depictions like this continue to reinforce societal fear and hatred for aging equating it with villainy and moral corruption. The dark shadow of aging in these movies perpetuates the harmful stereotypes associated with ageism and adds to societal pressures to resist and resent the natural process of aging. 

Ageism finds a way to seep into our everyday life from many avenues like movies, advertisements, and music; the list is never ending. These only aid in boosting a thriving market for anti-aging products and practices. Women go to extreme ends to look young: the purchase of face creams and serums; procedures to plump the creases that adorn their faces; or alternating their bodies that have been affected by gravity, childbearing, or weight fluctuation. Clarke suggests that we will consistently bend to the social constructs around us. If we were a society that views older women as more beautiful compared to their younger counterparts, we would find ways to make ourselves look older.  These portrayals can become a significant way that aging women are perceived by society and the narrative roles they are assigned to. 

There is a disheartening parallel in real life where aging women often find themselves marginalized and overlooked. Despite the inevitability of aging, there’s often a lack of support and care for the health and well-being of older women, perpetuating the stigma and fear surrounding the aging process. When we dismiss these narratives as harmless fantasy, they contribute to the stigmatization of aging, particularly for women. It’s essential to recognize the harmful impact of these portrayals; as we begin to strive for more inclusive and empowering narratives that celebrate the richness and multifaceted nature of women’s experiences at all life stages.

If the glass slipper fell off, did it even fit in the first place?

Disney Villains Never Get Their ‘Happily-Ever-After.’

Disney

In these tales, female characters showcase an array of emotions, qualities, and traits. Disney princesses show compassion and determination, with some of them seeming passive or naive, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Additionally, princesses may rely heavily on male characters as sidekicks or the driving force behind their actions.

Disney villains, on the other hand, exhibit ambitious and bold traits, but lack compassion and act manipulatively towards others. They are conformed just so, making them the pivotal stereotype of evilness and revenge. In reality, older women frequently experience feelings of inferiority compared to their younger counterparts. They may receive fewer job opportunities, romantic partners, and overall opportunities, reflecting the vast impact of ageism on real life women. With this possible decline in social standing, it’s common for women to be overloaded with negative perceptions like dependency and irrelevance. Simone Hausknecht and colleagues suggested that asking someone how old they feel instead of how old they are could possibly measure how older adults form stereotypes about aging. 

Furthermore, princesses and villains are created with narratives that pin aggression, anger, and a bitter rivalry to one another. Of eight movies noted in Wellman’s study (including: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and Tangled), five of the movies contained villains who’s rivalry with a princess came from either the search for beauty or because they were jealous. 

Could this be why we stand in the mirror with disgust at the sight of a single gray hair or because when we smile, our face creases and contorts. Have we just been subconsciously molded from our childhoods watching these films that aging is the villain in our own real-life fairy tales?

Magical Transformations: Empowering Women in Disney Narratives

                                                                                                   

Disney

We must continue to work at challenging stereotypes and recognizing the valuable contributions that people of all ages, sexualities, genders, and backgrounds make to society. Older individuals bring wisdom, experience, and unique perspectives that enrich communities and organizations. Promoting inclusivity and respecting individuals regardless of age can help combat ageism and foster a more supportive and inclusive society. By rejecting ageist stereotypes and amplifying diverse narratives, we pave the way for a culture that honors the inherent beauty and resilience of every woman, regardless of age.

This necessary change has begun for Disney, showcasing shows and films featuring diverse female characters like Moana and Raya, who break free from traditional molds, celebrate diversity, and challenge outdated stereotypes. These characters embark on self-driven epic journeys, emphasizing female friendships and highlighting their supportive bonds.

Disney’s efforts reflect a cultural shift towards inclusive representations of women, rewriting the narrative to encompass the beauty of aging and redefine societal values, fostering a culture that celebrates every woman’s worth. It is time that we pave the way for a culture that honors the inherent beauty and resilience of every woman, regardless of age. Together, let’s rewrite the narrative to embrace the beauty of aging and create a future where all women are valued and celebrated for who they are and what they have accomplished.

✨Happily Ever After✨

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Additional Resources:

MacKinnon- Women, Aging and Visibility [TED TALK]

Get the Facts on Women and Aging (ncoa.org)

5 Healthy Aging Tips for Women | FDA

What Disney Villains Can Tell Us About Color Psychology- Blog

How Disney Uses Color to Communicate