An article in issue 25 of Flyer News talked about a survey that describes what makes men and women attractive.

Although the author deserves credit for mentioning that the survey does not condone making changes to one's body or lifestyle, my problem is mainly with the survey results themselves. This article reflects the superficial reality in which we live.

Harsh standards exist, for women in particular, when it comes to maintaining a certain kind of body image. This pressure can have a variety of consequences.

For instance, disorders like anorexia and bulimia have skyrocketed in recent years. I know many women who suffer from a nagging sense of insecurity because of the pressure to count every single calorie or make trips to the gym on a strict schedule.

Of course, humans are naturally attracted to certain physical characteristics for biological reasons. But to some degree, attractiveness is a social construction.

For example, in past centuries, those who were chubbier than average were often considered appealing because this usually indicated wealth. In certain tribal cultures, physical characteristics like having a very long neck are considered attractive.

Although some attractions are ingrained in our genes, I also believe that these kinds of attractions are exploited by pop culture. The widespread worship of celebrities and pervasive presence of exceptionally pretty people has infiltrated our culture.

The public is also taken advantage of by businesses eager to tap into the ever-expanding market of those with low self-esteem and an unsatisfied body image.

How do you think people react when they read that article? "Oh, men like legs so I should make them perfect," or "Women like arms so I should work out all of the time."

People should stop trying to form their image based on what others want or society says, and instead just be who they are.