The Truth About Body Image Cannot Be Photoshopped

Mady Nutter

mn830117@ohio.edu

madelynnenutter@gmail.com

The question of ethics in utilizing image editing software like Photoshop not only has a direct impact on journalism, but on the very health and wellness of every individual that consumes media. In the realm of media, I have found the SPJ Code of Ethics guidelines of "minimize harm" and "seek truth" to be extremely relevant when it comes to the issue of photo editing.

Many debates over the link between Photoshop usage and body image issues — as well as the potential harm this link may cause for young girls seeing women's bodies heavily retouched with editing such as Photoshop — were prevalently taking place around a decade ago. 

As someone who was in this demographic of young girls a decade ago, I find it very interesting to reflect on how these ethics guidelines I have learned today apply to past conversations and lectures I encountered on body image and Photoshop use.

Photo editing can significantly alter a celebrity's appearance even cover by cover, photo source: The New York Times

In 2011, the American Medical Association board released a statement on the harm posed to young people when they view advertisements showcasing edited images which display unrealistic and dangerous body image expectations. 

One AMA board member, Dr. Barbara L. McAneny, said, "We must stop exposing impressionable children and teenagers to advertisements portraying models with body types only attainable with the help of photo editing software."

While it seems that this statement by the AMA has since been removed from their official website, I think it is still noteworthy that they once made a statement such as this at all. Upon my current reflection, the board's efforts seem to be rooted in ethical guidelines similar to "minimize harm" and "seek truth."

The AMA had a genuine concern about the impact of people's edited and enhanced bodies in media having a negative effect on children's body image, which had the potential to cause other health concerns. By discouraging the use of photo editing, I see a clear connection to the guideline of "seek truth," and in the board's fear of negative health effects on children, I see a connection to the guideline of "minimize harm" present in their statement.

In recent years, the clothing line Aerie, which is a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters, has contrasted the prevalent usage of model retouching and Photoshop use with their #AerieReal campaign. The social movement for "body positivity" has greatly coincided with campaigns such as Aerie's, which I believe is much more rooted in truth and harm minimization than the normalization of Photoshop usage in media. 

In an analysis by Forbes, contributor Shelley E. Kohan said, "Aerie has redefined the standards of beauty by encouraging young women to love their own bodies. The brand has struck a chord with today's consumers who value social responsibility, body positivity, inclusion and a community that supports each other."

The images we see in media can have a direct impact on our lives and how we view ourselves. The ethical guidelines of "minimize harm" and "seek truth" can affect us all not only in our journalistic pursuits but in the media we consumer that impacts our personal lives.