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I'd like you to shift gears and apply some critical thinking. This will help you not only understand the concepts we've discussed but also critically evaluate similar topics you might come across in the press, media, and other outlets—and, when it's relevant, apply this knowledge in real-world situations.

We've covered a lot of ground in this module, and I've shared quite a bit of information with you. Now, I'd like you to shift gears and apply some critical thinking. This will help you not only understand the concepts we've discussed but also critically evaluate similar topics you might come across in the press, media, and other outlets—and, when it's relevant, apply this knowledge in real-world situations.

Below, you'll find a selection of references. I encourage you to read the provided materials, and engage your critical thinking skills. Assess whether the information is credible and logical, or if perhaps it's too broadly generalized from studies conducted on different groups, such as other female age brackets or even men.

Then, expand the table below each reference to view my analysis and insights. This should help deepen your understanding of each reference and assist you in developing your own viewpoints.

Ultimately, I aim to equip you with the tools to critically assess any information you encounter, whether you see it, hear it, or read it. 

Enjoy

Critical Thinking Task 1

Link: Big companies taking responsibility

Question: Puberty is a confusing time for everyone, and it is hard to find valuable resources. How do you find this article by Dove?

I like the Dove brand for promoting positive conversations around women’s bodies of all ages. This article was written empathically while providing some good, basic information. The company also has great resources for educators to promote body confidence and self-esteem.

Critical Thinking Task 2

Link: Fitspiration and Body Image    (Full study link)

Question: Social media has a big impact on body image and how young girls think about themselves. The comparison to the filtered pictures can do a LOT of damage, so how do we moderate (protect?!) our girls from it?

This study has a fantastic review on the implications of social media and comparisons; then implements an “exposure” intervention whereby a group of women were sent a text survey daily to bring attention to the fitness content they saw on social media, and how it made them feel. By exposing the effects on mood and body image to the girls, it made the imaging less impactful on the girls body image and self-perceptions.

Critical Thinking Task 3

Link: Study links teen girls screen time to sleep disruption and depression   (Full Study Link)

Question: We know that using screens close to bedtime can disrupt adults’ sleep; leading to poor sleep quality, but how does that differ for developing brains? 

This is a super interesting study in that although the outcomes were similar for boys and girls (poorer sleep habits and depression), the mechanism to that depression was different. In the full study, the researchers controlled for social jetlag, so the sleep deprivation was not a contributing factor, it was the change in sleep architecture. In the time when the brain is growing and developing, the input for neuroplasticity should not have a negative effect like screens do; but a positive effect like meditation, art, and exercise.