As mentioned previously, unrealistic media images are widespread. This creates the illusion that women who fit the ideal appear to be the norm rather than the exception. These perceptions and constant comparisons lead to cultivation theory which is known as the contribution of media exposure to the viewer's perceptions of social reality (Von Vonderen and Kinnally 53). The repetitive nature of these images influences the individual's ability to understand that the images are unrealistic. Over time, the almost impossible standard of beauty is adopted and seen as “reality.” People who watch a lot of TV are more likely to see the real world based on what they've watched. Viewers often seek out programs that reinforce their beliefs, thereby further strengthening their attitudes. If a woman has low self-esteem and views media that portrays emaciated models as beautiful, these negative attitudes will only become stronger. A person's level of awareness of the characteristics presented by the media is an indicator of how they will internalize these images. Women who are more aware of media effects are more likely to be resilient to body image issues and women who are unaware are more likely to exhibit symptoms of body disturbance (Serdar). Therefore, if a woman is unable to determine that the media is unrealistic, she will be more likely to internalize the images and be more prone to body dissatisfaction. This also ties into the idea of ​​resonance, which also explains why women and girls internalize images. media images. This idea is that viewers' life experiences affect their perception of television. So, if an individual's life experiences are similar to the media content they watch, the m...... middle of paper ...... issue: Body Image and Eating Disorders, pp . 9-42. "Peers, Not TV, Influence Girls' Body Issues: Study. Science Live. Tech Media Network, January 30, 2013. Web. April 19, 2014. Ridolfi, Danielle et al. "Appearance-Focused Cognitive Distortions Moderate the relationship between social comparisons with peers and media images and body image disturbances?." Sex Roles 65.7/8 (2011): 491-505. LGBT Life with full text. Internet. May 6, 2014 . Serdar, Kasey L. “Female Body Image and Mass Media: Perspectives on How Women Internalize the Ideal Beauty Standard” Westminster npnd April 13, 2014. Van Vonderen, Kristen E. and William Kinnally. Media Effects on Body Image: Examining Media Exposure in the Broader Context of Internal and Other Social Factors." American Communication Journal 14.2 (2012): 41-57. Communication and Mass MediaComplete. Internet. March 22. 2014.