A main effect of gender and the media is how media images can influence a man’s attitude and beliefs about a woman. Numerous studies shows that some portrayal of women can lead to increased acceptance of sexual aggression or sexual insensitivity (Schement). Other researchers have conducted studies to see the effects of R-rated horror films on men. The results show that long term exposure to R-rated horror movies, like Texas Chainsaw Massacre can quickly numb viewers towards sexual aggression (Schement). As a result, those who frequently watch R-rated horror films can have lower levels of concern about real instances of victimization (Serdar). Another issue the article brought up was the media portrayals of female appearance, such as they tend to focus on their appearance and sexuality a lot more than males. Women featured in television are presented as young, thin or physically fit and they are more likely to display sexual behaviours and wear revealing clothing (Schement).
In sociocultural standards, feminine beauty is presented in television and other media, featuring women with the “ideal body”, these standards are almost unattainable for most women (Serdar). The models featured in magazine like Vogue have a figure that is below what is considered healthy body weight. Yet women every day is trying to look like the way these models look on magazines and television. Research shows that a person can be easily impacted by the psychosocial experience like watching popular television shows and then evaluate their own body image based on what they see as the “ideal image” (Serdar). Women in contact with media use are predicted to have an increased desire for thinness and a high level of body dissatisfaction (Schement).