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New media needs to improve communication about weight and health

May 13, 2011 coms 0

There is a belief among people that weight and health is a matter of personal responsibility and therefore little can be done on a policy level to affect individual behavior. But, a panel moderated by editor of Health Affairs, Susan Dentzer, found that uninformed and unrealistic media who promote this view may not only be negatively effect individual behavior, but also how policy makers approach issues of weight and health.

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Body Image and the Media [Videographic]

May 10, 2011 coms 2

The image of the female body presented by the media in most cases is one that is unattainable. In movies, magazines, music videos and advertisements women are shown ideal body weights that in most cases meet the physical criteria for anorexia or bulimia. By presenting these images, we tell women that they can only be sexy and acquire what they want if they meet these physical requirements.

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Clothing manufacturers contribute to objectification of young girls, says study

May 9, 2011 coms 0

Are clothing manufacturers helping to turn young girls into sex objects? A study led by Professor of Psychology at Kenyon College, Dr. Sarah Murnen, found that 30 percent of young girls’ clothing available online in the United States is sexualized. The study was published in Springer’s journal, Sex Roles, and raises questions on the implications of how girls evaluate themselves if they are being identified as sex objects at an early age.

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Gender Wage Gap [Infographic]

May 6, 2011 coms 0

The infographic below gives a historical perspective of the gender wage gap through some great statistics and visuals. It shows the median annual earnings since 1960, potential causes of this disparity, information on the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and more. Also, according a recent Wall Street Journal study shown on the infographic, the gap is beginning to favor women.

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Will the distracting nature of media multitasking change advertising?

May 5, 2011 coms 0

In today’s world of television, cell phones, computers, and other media, multitaskers typically praise their skill as an effective way to navigate this hundred mile an hour culture. Turns out, their confidence may be mistaken. According to a new study on media multitasking by Boston College researchers, multitasking is only driving people to distraction. So, what does that mean for advertisers? Which medium is best?

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Botox Impairs Communication Skills

May 2, 2011 coms 0

New research makes one ask the question of what is more important: less wrinkles or being an effective communicator? A new study by USC and Duke found that Botox injections are damaging patients ability to read emotions. Once using Botox, those treated have more trouble reading what others are thinking and feeling.

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The History of Social Media [Infographic]

May 1, 2011 coms 0

This infographic presents a timeline of the last 30 to 40 years of social media, beginning with the first email to the Facebook takeover. You may even remember a few of the primitive tools mentioned that helped change it all.