Critical Self-Reflection

 A reflection on the documentary produced by my group will be included in this "Self-Reflection" blog post.

1. How do your products represents social groups/issue?
2. How do your products engage with audiences?
3. How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?

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"Diet or Die" emerges as a significant endeavor within the realm of health expository documentaries, offering a crucial lens into the pervasive issue of eating disorders, particularly among teenagers. The deliberate choice to focus on this demographic, aged 13 to 25, was a calculated one, considering their heightened exposure to the omnipresent influence of the internet and social media applications on their daily lives. This demographic, being the most impressionable, stood at the epicenter of the very issue we sought to unravel. The portrayal of idealized body images and beauty standards in today's media landscape has proven to be both a catalyst and a perpetuator of the disturbing surge in eating disorders within our communities. It's disconcerting to acknowledge the role media plays in not only setting these unattainable benchmarks but also subtly coercing individuals into drastic dietary measures. The consequences, as we've discovered, are far-reaching and affect both genders, albeit with a notable skew towards females. In crafting 'Diet or Die,' we recognized the need for a paradigm shift in our approach. It was imperative to distance ourselves from the familiar narratives that the mainstream media often propagated. The incorporation of personal narratives and a mosaic of perspectives from individuals occupying diverse roles - models, therapists, and sports enthusiasts - was a conscious effort to humanize and contextualize this intricate issue. Through this lens, we sought to challenge the very stereotypes that society had inadvertently internalized. In hindsight, our aspiration was not merely to create a documentary, but rather, to initiate a dialogue. The aim was to resonate with those grappling with eating disorders, providing them with a platform to relate, to feel seen and understood. Equally, it was our hope that by presenting these multifaceted dimensions, we would enlighten a broader audience, fostering empathy and insight. It is in this spirit of critical self-reflection that we recognize the responsibility borne by media in shaping societal perceptions and behaviors, and the need for conscientious narratives that reflect the realities of those affected by eating disorders.

In examining our eating disorder documentary project, it becomes evident that our primary focus centers on the impressionable demographic of teenagers and young adults, particularly students and high-schoolers. The choice of our title, "What The Food; Breaking The Strings," underscores our intention to provoke curiosity and prompt deeper inquiry into the documentary's subject matter. Targeting Generation Z, aged 13 to 25, aligns with the recognition that they are more susceptible to the impacts of eating disorders. This susceptibility is exacerbated by their exposure to the entertainment industry, a facet of their lives that is often underestimated in its potential for engendering damaging effects. The pervasive influence of media in promoting narrow beauty ideals and the subsequent adoption of extreme dietary practices are significant contributors to the alarming rise in eating disorders within our communities, affecting both genders albeit with a pronounced skew towards females. To effectively convey our message, we've strategically employed visual elements such as dramatic lighting, tense music, and fast-paced editing, collectively shaping the documentary's tone. Emphasizing relatability emerges as a cornerstone strategy; fostering interaction and the creation of a supportive community provides a platform for audiences to share their stories, thereby enhancing engagement and generating buzz around our documentary. Drawing on Bulmer and Katz's Uses and Gratification Theory, we've discerned the varied motivations behind seeking out specific media products to satisfy individual needs and desires. Our documentary seeks to target surveillance, with the aim of cultivating greater awareness among audiences regarding the prevailing issues in today's youth, ultimately arming potential victims with the knowledge to navigate these challenges. The enigmatic allure of our thumbnail, bearing the title "Diet or Die," strategically invokes hermeneutic code (5 Narrative codes), sparking intrigue and inviting deeper exploration. In retrospect, this endeavor has compelled us to critically scrutinize not only the content and message we wish to convey but also the nuanced methods employed to engage and resonate with our intended audience, highlighting the profound impact that media studies can have on shaping public awareness and discourse surrounding critical social issues like eating disorders. 

In our pursuit to create a media product addressing eating disorders, we have meticulously drawn upon a foundation of extensive research. This research has been instrumental in diverging from the prevailing narrative in mainstream media, which often portrays eating disorders in a misleadingly positive light, ultimately perpetuating harm, particularly among the youth. Through a comprehensive review of existing documentaries across various genres, we have gleaned valuable insights that inform our approach, ensuring that our media product authentically encapsulates the message we aim to convey to our audience. Furthermore, our research has empowered us to strategically deviate from genre conventions, affording us the creative freedom to present our content in a manner that challenges established norms. We've also meticulously examined the critical elements that shape the introduction of our documentary, the broader context of mental health issues, the significance of thumbnail imagery, and the pivotal role of participants' experiences. This thorough analysis guides our efforts to elucidate the gravity of eating disorders within the social community, underscored by the sheer ubiquity and influence of popular social media platforms, which reach billions of users. In a deliberate move to underscore the severity of the topic, we have included disclaimers, urging individuals grappling with eating disorders to seek guidance from reputable resources. This strategic intervention not only amplifies the weight of our subject matter but also emphasizes our commitment to responsible and empathetic storytelling. Furthermore, our research has honed our understanding of the audience's expectations, particularly in the realm of health documentaries. By tapping into cultural touchpoints, such as Korean beauty standards, we endeavor to establish a relatable connection with our viewers, ensuring that our health documentary resonates on a personal level. This critical self-reflection underscores the transformative power of media studies, affirming that a well-informed, research-driven approach can significantly impact the effectiveness and resonance of our media product, ultimately contributing to a more informed and empathetic discourse surrounding eating disorders.