Superficial
SU PER FI CIAL (adjective)
- Concerned only with what is obvious or apparent; not thorough or complete
- Affecting only the outer part or surface of something; not deep or serious
The media plays an important role on presenting teenagers as obsessed with their outwards appearance. Because of it, teenagers are commonly stereotyped as being superficial and shallow. This stereotype often has negative effects on both societies view of teenagers and on teenagers themselves. Society views the average teenager as caring more about their looks or reputation than grades or future. Teenagers also force this image upon one another and judge each other based on their outwards appearance. Overall, the stereotype of teenagers being superficial has negative effects to the youths.
Is it true?
Yes, and no. Superficial teenagers do exist in the world, however, the large majority is not part of this group. There is a fine line that separates being superficial and being self conscious. The difference is that in being superficial, a person molds their lifestyle and personality around having perfect looks and reputation, and in being self conscious, a person worries about their appearance to others and attempts to change themselves to find happiness. A self conscious person can excel in other aspects of their lives, while a superficial person often gets caught up in managing their appearance. So, yes, superficial teenagers are real, but most teenagers do not fit into this stereotype.
Like mentioned above, most teenagers are self conscious rather than superficial. Because teenagers often look towards others in an attempt to find themselves, they try to fit in among other groups. Teenagers feel more comfortable around other people, and despise being alone. Most teenagers have the belief that the only way to make friends is to be like other people, rather than being themselves, and get self conscious when they do not fit in to their desired group. Although being self conscious can have negative affects on a person, it can also benefit their lifestyle, for it gives them motivation to improve their lives and a goal in achieving happiness.
Like mentioned above, most teenagers are self conscious rather than superficial. Because teenagers often look towards others in an attempt to find themselves, they try to fit in among other groups. Teenagers feel more comfortable around other people, and despise being alone. Most teenagers have the belief that the only way to make friends is to be like other people, rather than being themselves, and get self conscious when they do not fit in to their desired group. Although being self conscious can have negative affects on a person, it can also benefit their lifestyle, for it gives them motivation to improve their lives and a goal in achieving happiness.
Each of these pieces of literature contain a character or theme of superficiality (click on the picture to see how).