GET REAL! Toolkit • Activities
Media Literacy Answer Key
How media literate are you?
1 The correct answer is C. The term media
refers to any type of communication that
reaches a wide audience. Media include
traditional forms such as TV, radio, and
magazines, as well as new media such as
social networks and other digital content.
2 The correct answer is C. While advertising
is used to inform people about products and
services, as well as the products’ benefits
and availability, the main purpose is to make
money for the company by selling its products
to consumers. It’s important to remember
that advertisers may not always have the
consumers’ best interest at heart because
their main goal is to be profitable.
3 4
5 The correct answer is B. While exposure to
these images doesn’t directly cause eating
disorders, research does show that it can
negatively impact both body image and
self-esteem, which for some people can
lead to an increase in disordered eating and
unhealthy exercise behaviors.
The correct answer is C. Chances are if a
particular ad bothers you, it bothers others as
well! Don’t just sit back and take it – there are a
number of ways you can talk back to the media
creators. Organize a letter writing campaign or
use social media sites to speak your mind (who
knows, maybe it will even go viral!).
The correct answer is A. For the majority of ads
you see, the image has been digitally altered
to the point that not even the original model
looks like the image portrayed. No amount
of diet, exercise or beauty products can
make someone look this way because it is a
digitally-created image and not real life.
6 The correct answer is C. To become media
literate is to be able to be both aware of the
techniques used to create media images and to
analyze and evaluate the underlying meaning
of these messages. You can then understand
exactly what media are trying to sell, to whom,
and how it might affect different consumers.
7 The correct answer is C. While no one is
immune to how fashion magazines can impact
body image, studies show that those with low
self-esteem and those who base their self-
worth on social comparisons are particularly
vulnerable to these images.
8 The correct answer is C. While you may not
realize it, we are all media creators! Every time
you send a text or post on Instagram you are
creating media. Next time you post something
online think about: Is the media you create
consistent with your values? Does it promote a
healthy body image? Is this a “digital footprint”
you can be proud to leave?
9 The correct answer is A. While you may think
only young people or females are susceptible
to media’s influence, media can impact
everyone’s body image given the unrealistic
and often-limited portrayals of diverse body
shapes and sizes.
10 The correct answer is C. Unfortunately, even
with passwords and privacy settings, there
is really no way to ensure that what you
post online will stay private. Everything you
share online becomes part of your “digital
footprint” and may be viewable by others at
some point despite your best efforts. Keep in
mind that the Internet is a public space so if
you wouldn’t want your teachers, your boss
or your grandmother to see it, think twice
about posting it!
Get REAL! about Media and Body Image | California State University, Northrdige | National Eating Disorders Association