Degree Name

Master of Science

Graduate Program

Mass Communication and Media Arts

Advisor

Robert Spahr

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the power and influence of fashion

magazines on Caucasian teenaged girls, aged 13 to 18 years old. Strong negative

associations were found between exposure to fashion magazines and teenage girls`

perceptions of their bodies. Furthermore, the present research studied teenagers online

activities and behavior in order to support the statement that the best way to reach

teenage girls in digital era is through online community. The lack of websites and

magazines that promote positive and healthy body image reinforced the need for

creation of an online community targeted at “plus size” teenaged girls aged 14 to 20.

Detailed description of the goals, content and interaction with the members of the

Fashimia online community are provided in this paper.

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