Final answer:
Adolescents are more vulnerable to unrealistic media images of the perfect body primarily because they are developing their personal identity. During this phase, they are forming their values and beliefs, becoming more independent from parents, and are sensitive to peer influence, all of which contribute to their heightened vulnerability to media portrayals of body image.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vulnerability of adolescents to the unrealistic media images of the "perfect body" compared to adults can be primarily attributed to three factors:
- Adolescents are in the stage of developing their personal identity, often asking themselves critical questions like "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?"
- During this time, they may try on different selves to see which ones fit and are susceptible to influences that promise certain identity markers, such as the media portrayal of a "perfect body."
- Despite having the ability to think abstractly, adolescents may still be developing critical thinking skills and self-esteem, which makes them more sensitive to peer influence and societal standards set by media.
The most representative reason why adolescents are more vulnerable is that they are developing their personal identity. As Erikson's stages of psychosocial development suggest, adolescents are trying to figure out their place in the world, which makes them especially sensitive to societal messages about what is considered ideal or desirable.