Watch the Evolution video to understand how easily our perception of beauty can be manipulated. Once you’ve done that, then use our action checklist to start a conversation with your child about real beauty.
Evolution: the influence of media on the distortion of beauty
From real to retouched in 60 seconds – this video illustrates how lighting, make-up and digital manipulation distort our perceptions of beauty. You’ll never look at a beauty ad in the same way again!
The influence of media on the distortion of beauty
People often compare themselves to images of models, actors and singers in the media, but are these images even real? With clever lighting, make-up and Photoshop, it's possible to transform an image so it no longer reflects the shape, size or features of the original model. No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted!
You may have seen before and after pictures of models elsewhere, but the Evolution video allows us to see the process as it happens. It's proved hugely popular, with more than 2 million views on YouTube in its first two weeks alone. Has your family watched it yet?
The positive outcome of watching the Evolution video
Watching the Dove Evolution video has been proven to boost young people’s body image. In 2011, researchers used the film as part of a study🔗 investigating the power of music videos, called 'Highlighting Media Modifications: Can a Television Commercial Mitigate the Effects of Music Videos on Female Appearance Satisfaction?'
The test involved asking young women to watch five popular videos featuring women who matched the thin and attractive ‘ideal’. Some watched these alongside normal ads, some watched ads without people and some watched the Evolution video. The result? Viewing music videos resulted in significantly lower levels of appearance satisfaction compared to viewing control television – however, watching the Evolution video counteracted this effect.
Use the Evolution video and the action checklist below to start a conversation with your child and help them boost their own body image and confidence.
