Internet data shows that younger adults have become the primary audience obsessed with television programs about altering people’s appearance. Once the domain of the female in her fifties, plastic surgery has become the obsession of the younger Internet users.
The recent tragic death of Stephanie Kuleba, an 18-year-old high school cheer-leader who died as a result of a plastic surgery, brought our attention to the pursuit of a more "ideal" body amongst teenagers. In fact, search data confirms this phenomenon. One of the most popular sites visited from the search term "plastic surgery" is the official site of theAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons (www. plasticsurgery. org). Over 25% of visitors to the site fell within the 18-to-24-year-old—that’s up from 19.6% two years ago. Plastic surgery has become anAmerican obsession.Checking other markets, such as the U.K. andAustralia, the 18-to-24-year-old fascination with plastic surgery is a definitely U.S. phenomenon. Looking at other health related sites visited by 18-to-24- year-olds reveals just how obsessed this age group is with appearance. Unlike the older groups who visit sites related to diseases and keeping healthy, younger Internet users flock to sites that dwell on personal appearance, such as those focused on body-building, weight loss and skin-care.And definitely plastic surgery. While surgery-themed television may be driving the interest of a younger audience, one factor appears to be key in moderating teens from altering their bodies: the failing U.S. economy. If we track the trend in searches on topics such as "plastic surgery", there has been a sharp decline in all plastic surgery topics over the last year. It may very well be related to the noticeable income group of visitors—U.S. households that earn less than $30,000 per year. In fact, if we look at the search patterns around popular surgeries, over the last year the term "cost" appear most commonly. While older age groups continue to search for information on procedures such as face-lifts or liposuction, it’s the younger Internet users who in tough economic times are focusing on improving their outer beauty, though at a discount price. Why does the author mention the death of the 18-year-old cheerleader A、To show cheerleaders pay more attention to their appearance. B、To warn people that plastic surgery is not as safe as it is said to be. C、To prove the fact that people will pursue beauty at any cost. D、To draw attention to the issue of young people having plastic surgery.