The media plays an important role in shaping the perceptions and attitudes that society has towards bisexual individuals. This is especially true for adolescents who are still forming their identities and developing opinions about themselves and others. Bisexual people have been historically marginalized and oppressed, leading to negative stereotypes and misconceptions about their sexual orientation. These negative representations can lead to feelings of shame, stigma, and internalized biases among bisexual youth. They may also impact their self-concept, causing them to feel like they do not belong or fit into society's norms. The article discusses how media representations influence bisexual identity, internalized biases, and self-concept in adolescence. It examines the various ways in which the media shapes these aspects and offers strategies for mitigating the effects.
Media Representations of Bisexuals
Bisexuality is often portrayed as unstable, promiscuous, and confused in popular culture. In movies and television shows, bisexual characters are typically depicted as being unable to choose between men and women, or as simply experimenting with same-sex partners. This perpetuates the idea that bisexuality is a phase or a fad, rather than a legitimate sexual orientation. Bisexual individuals are often portrayed as hypersexualized, with no regard for the emotional aspect of relationships. This can contribute to harmful stereotypes about bisexuality and create an environment where bisexual individuals are not taken seriously or respected.
Bisexuality is frequently linked to cheating or infidelity, further reinforcing negative perceptions.
Internalized Bias and Self-Concept
These negative media representations can lead to internalized bias and low self-esteem in bisexual individuals. They may feel ashamed of their sexual orientation and try to hide it from others, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. They may also feel like they do not belong in either the LGBTQ+ community or the straight community, resulting in feelings of rejection and exclusion. These experiences can impact their self-concept, causing them to doubt their worth and value as a person.
Bisexual youth may be more likely to experience bullying, harassment, and discrimination due to their identity, which can further damage their self-image.
Strategies for Mitigating Effects
Parents and educators can play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of negative media representations on adolescent bisexuals. They can provide positive representations of bisexuality and model acceptance and understanding. They can also help their children develop healthy relationships by teaching them how to communicate effectively and build strong connections with others.
Counseling services can be helpful in addressing any underlying mental health issues that may arise from these experiences.
Organizations like GLAAD work to promote positive portrayals of bisexual characters in popular culture, helping to reduce stigma and increase visibility. By working together, we can create a society where bisexual individuals are seen as valued and respected members of our communities.
How do media representations influence adolescent bisexual identity, internalized biases, and self-concept?
The representation of bisexuals in mass media is generally limited, stereotypical, and negative. Bisexual individuals are portrayed as promiscuous, sexually confused, or even sexually transmitted disease carriers (Ayres & Bartsch, 2015). Bisexuals often experience rejection from both heterosexual and homosexual communities, which can lead to an internalization of this bias (Baker, 2007).