The Positive Influence Magazines Have on People
Magazines inform, educate and entertain us. According to the "New York Times," United States magazine sales for 2009 were over 39.3 million. For approximately three to 10 dollars, purchase a magazine and enjoy hours of learning, laughter or relaxation. Most magazines also have digital versions you can access for free online.
Teen Magazines
Most teen magazines focus on fashion, grooming and movie and music idols. The media, including the teen magazine market, has been accused of having a negative effect on body image and self esteem. Advertising and editorial pictorials featuring unnaturally thin or airbrushed models cause pressure and unrealistic expectations for teenagers. Magazine publishers are listening. "Seventeen," "Teen Vogue" and other magazines now feature images more reflective of the average woman. Articles about safe sex, relationships, healthy eating and exercise guide teens through their life struggles. Features on academics and careers, motivate and encourage teens in their endeavours.
Women's Magazines
Lifestyle magazines, such as "O, The Oprah Magazine," promote spirituality, a healthy lifestyle and offer inspirational articles about people who have overcome extraordinary circumstances. For instance, the April 2011 issue focuses on inspiring words with articles like "Poetry That Will Get You Through a Hard Time." Traditional women's magazines such as "Women's Day," feature ways to save money and cook healthy meals for a family.
Entertainment Magazines
Everyone deserves to relax and enjoy life. The majority of popular magazines are in the business of entertaining. Many people read magazines about movies, television and famous people solely for their entertainment value. Reading this kind of magazine may not be a spiritual experience or teach anything about life, but sometimes escaping your problems for a while can be a positive experience.
General and Special Interest Magazines
Magazines such as "Harper's Bazaar" and "The New Yorker" provide intellectual stimulation and spark debate with fiction and non-fiction articles written by leading journalists and writers.
"Reader’s Digest" provides information and guidance on everything from health to relationships. It is inexpensive, easy to read and focuses on concerns of ordinary people. They also use humor to brilliant effect.
The tag line for "National Geographic" is "Inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888." National Geographic teaches readers about the world with the finest photography the magazine world has to offer.
References
Writer Bio
Pamela Stewart began writing in 1994. Her articles have appeared in North American newspapers and magazines such as "Now Magazine" and the "Georgina Advocate." Stewart has written for educational publications such as the "American Society for Industrial Security Protection of Assets Manual.” Her first book of fiction was published in 2008. She studied creative writing at Ryerson University.
