The pretty and handsome people presented by the media are regarded as “established recognition”. On the one hand, many iconic images will influence people’s judgment of beauty imperceptibly, and even shape a kind of periodic aesthetic. One the other hand, this “iconic image” creates a comparison where people unconsciously feel they are not as good-looking as others, leading to appearance anxiety. 

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) released the results of its annual Global Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures today, showing a 19.3% overall increase in procedures performed by plastic surgeons in 2021 with more than 12.8 million surgical, and 17.5 million non-surgical, procedures performed worldwide. It shows that the appearance anxiety is getting worse. Publics are more and more focus on their appearance, and try to gain confidence by improving your appearance.

Advertisers try to create a sense of demand in the minds of the audience by suggesting some potential success. And tell you that a “pretty girl” can get a good job easier, the boyfriend or husband will treat you better. They magnify some little problems that everyone has, like wrinkles, pores, blackhead, but it is not a big deal if there are some blackheads on your nose, or there are some neck wrinkles. What is more, advertisers try to define aesthetics, like slim is beauty, white is beauty. And make people feel anxiety, excessive pursuit of white and skinny.