The article explains how adolescents get exposed to online relationship advice and what influence it has on their views on control, domination, and affection in a romantic relationship. It begins by defining these terms and exploring the different forms of media that provide this kind of guidance. Then, it discusses how young people learn from such sources and examines the impact on their future relationships.
It concludes with some recommendations for parents and educators who want to promote healthy expectations about love among teenagers.
Adolescent exposure to online “relationship advice†can shape expectations about love, intimacy, and power dynamics in various ways. Some social platforms have become popular due to their ability to offer tips on dating, flirting, and sex. They aim to help individuals find partners, understand their needs, and create stable and satisfying connections.
They may also give rise to unrealistic standards and misunderstandings regarding mutuality and respect.
There are several outlets that can be accessed by minors seeking insights into relationships. Many websites and apps focus on dating and matchmaking, but others tackle more specific issues, like communication or intimacy. Users can find videos, blog posts, podcasts, books, and other materials providing practical guidelines for improving interpersonal skills. These platforms can be valuable tools, as long as teens learn to discern between good information and bad advice.
When it comes to learning from peers, adolescents tend to copy behaviors observed in movies, TV shows, and songs without questioning whether they reflect real-life situations. Therefore, they might emulate the language used in these mediums, which often emphasizes control over another person's desires and feelings.
They could start treating romantic interests as objects of pleasure instead of individuals with their own preferences. This mindset contributes to a lack of empathy, leading to poor decision-making when conflicts arise in real life.
Some relationship coaches promote controlling behavior towards one's partner through techniques such as "reverse psychology" and "love bombing". The former is based on manipulating someone into thinking differently, while the latter involves flooding them with affection until they feel dependent on you. Both methods can have detrimental effects on self-esteem and healthy interactions down the road.
Parents should talk openly about love and relationships with their kids at home. Educators should also incorporate this subject matter into class discussions and activities. Teaching about respectful attitudes towards partners, as well as the importance of mutual respect and consent, may help young people develop healthier expectations for intimate connections. By doing so, we can create a generation that values equality and communication within relationships.
How does adolescent exposure to online “relationship advice†shape expectations about control, dominance, and affection?
According to researchers, adolescents are highly susceptible to peer pressure and social influences, which can lead them to internalize unrealistic romantic relationship norms and expectations from their surroundings, including social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc.