As technology continues to advance in our everyday society, so does the effect the media has on American culture. While a direct link between the advancement of the media industry and its impact on the lives of the average American cannot be demonstrated, many highly educated men and women believe they share a strong correlation (Dittmar). Between the ages of 12 and 25, young adolescents are in the most impressionable phase of life (the media). When young women are constantly bombarded with images of what the “ideal” body and appearance is for a woman to be considered “desirable” in American society, it leaves a lasting impact on their fragile self-esteem (the media). Due to the consequences the media has on young women, stricter rules should be imposed on the media regarding the size and weight of the models they use in all public campaigns. From a young age, girls are raised in a culture that embraces role-playing and activities that involve playing with dolls. One of the most influential dolls in society is the Barbie doll. It has been popular among many generations of young girls and continues to be one of the best-selling items in stores today. While not all girls who play with Barbie dolls develop low self-esteem or an eating disorder, the doll does impact their self-image. The size of a Barbie doll allows girls to feel that it is a seductive body type that one should aspire to. This idea leaves girls with a false identity of beauty because the concept of looking like Barbie is impractical and humanly impossible. It's understandable that Barbie products can't be blamed for every case of low self-esteem or an eating disorder, but they can be linked to young girls... middle of paper... a. “The impact of media images on body image and behaviors: a synthesis of the scientific evidence.” National Eating Disorders. September 13, 2011 .Hellmich, Nanci. "Do skinny models distort girls' body image?" September 25, 2006. USA Today. September 13, 2011 .Poulter, Sean. “Size zero diets 'ruin girls' health' warn against teens copying celebrity role models.” February 10, 2010. Daily Mail. September 13, 2011 "The media". 1998. Something Strange. September 13th 2011 .