Looking back on the first half of the semester, I feel that my research has been progressing steadily toward the goals I set at the beginning. My main aim was to build a strong theoretical foundation connecting social media use, body image anxiety, and eating behaviors among young women. I am proud that I have developed a solid literature base through consistent reading, including works by Perloff (2014) and Fardouly et al. (2015). I also refined my research strategy by using broader and more precise keywords, following earlier advice from Kristina DeVoe, which helped me find more relevant academic sources. This process has made me more confident in situating my documentary within a well-defined scholarly conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of production, my project vision has become much clearer. At the start of the semester, I only had a broad idea of exploring social media\u2019s effects on body image. Now, I can visualize how I want the documentary to look and feel. I\u2019m especially proud of the initial media I created\u2014close-up shots of colorful desserts, ice cream, and fresh fruits and vegetables. These test shots not only helped me experiment with lighting and framing but also deepened my understanding of how idealized food imagery on social media can represent both pleasure and pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Academically, I believe my project aligns well with the MA project expectations of producing theoretically informed creative work. My documentary applies concepts such as social comparison theory and objectification theory to real, lived experiences. By translating abstract theory into visual storytelling, I aim to create a piece that is both analytically grounded and emotionally resonant. The accompanying paper will connect my visual choices and interview narratives back to these frameworks, demonstrating how the medium itself becomes part of the critical inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the rest of the semester, I look forward to conducting interviews and combining them with the visual metaphors I\u2019ve already begun developing. I\u2019m excited to hear participants\u2019 perspectives and to see how their stories can shape the final narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feedback summary:<\/strong> References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women\u2019s body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13,<\/em> 38\u201345. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.bodyim.2014.12.002<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media effects on young women\u2019s body image concerns: Theoretical perspectives and an agenda for research. Sex Roles, 71<\/em>(11\u201312), 363\u2013377. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11199-014-0384-6<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Looking back on the first half of the semester, I feel that my research has been progressing steadily toward the goals I set at the beginning. My main aim was to build a strong theoretical foundation connecting social media use, body image anxiety, and eating behaviors among young women. I am proud that I have … Continue reading Blog 7: Reflecting on My Progress So Far\u2728<\/span>
During the Project Treatment and Initial Media workshop, I received encouraging feedback from my professor and classmates. They appreciated the aesthetic quality of my food imagery and how it captured both temptation and tension. They also suggested that I consider filming people eating\u2014to contrast the polished, idealized food seen online with the natural, imperfect, and emotional act of eating in real life. This idea really inspired me, and I plan to experiment with these scenes in my next round of filming. My next step is to prepare detailed interview outlines and explore how to visually blend everyday eating moments with the theoretical themes of my project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n