In contemporary society, media plays an important role in shaping the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs of young people towards various aspects of their lives including sexuality. Media representation has been found to affect how adolescents perceive intimacy and consent in interpersonal relationships. Adolescent is defined as someone between ages of puberty and maturity which could be between the ages of eleven and nineteen. This age group is very impressionable and easily influenced by what they see on media platforms such as television, social media, and movies. The media is filled with images and messages that are often contradictory, confusing and misleading regarding sexual behavior, intimate relationships and gender roles. There are numerous shows that depict violent encounters, unhealthy stereotypes, and one-night stands among other negative portrayals of sex that contribute to the distortion of adolescent's perception of sexuality.
The effects of these representations have been linked to changes in adolescent's views of romantic relationships and intimacy. According to the American Psychological Association, some programs glamorize violence against women, perpetuates rape myths, and trivializes nonconsensual sexual activity.
There are many TV series where men pursue and force themselves on women without getting consent but end up being celebrated. Women who refuse or seek to control their own sexuality are usually presented as prudes or manipulative, leading to a lack of respect for their boundaries and needs. Such representations make it difficult for teens to understand consent and the value of mutually pleasurable interactions, resulting in coercive sexual acts and abuse.
Media also contributes to the expectation of sexual freedom among adolescents, creating a culture that promotes 'hooking up', meaning casual sexual encounters without commitment or emotional involvement. These depictions reinforce the idea that all individuals are sexual objects, and having sex should be based on physical appearance rather than true feelings or connections. This creates an unrealistic notion of intimacy, which leads to disillusionment and confusion when they engage in actual relationships with peers. Moreover, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter encourage voyeurism by making intimate content easily accessible, including pornography. The proliferation of pornographic material has contributed to the normalization of gender stereotypes and increased objectification of the opposite sex. Adolescent boys may develop unhealthy expectations of women's behavior during sexual encounters, while girls become more self-objectified, experiencing anxiety about body image and performance pressure.
Media representations have significant impacts on adolescents' attitudes towards intimacy and consent. Teenagers need accurate information regarding healthy relationships and boundaries. Parents and educators should create safe spaces to discuss sex and romance, providing honest answers to their questions and concerns. Media outlets must ensure that what is presented reflects real life situations, encourages communication and respect for other people's needs.
How do media representations of sexuality influence adolescents' expectations of intimacy and consent?
Media representations are often stereotypical, which can lead to misunderstanding of real-life situations. Adolescents may feel pressured to emulate what they see as normal behavior and become confused about appropriate boundaries in relationships. It is important for parents and educators to discuss healthy relationships with their teens and provide a safe space to ask questions and explore these issues further.