Can repeated exposure to curated sexual content function as a rehearsal for relational scripts that diverge from lived relational experience, and what are the ethical implications?
When it comes to human sexuality, there is no doubt that it has been widely explored through various means. From books to movies and from art to advertising, our society has shown its interest in unveiling different facets of this fundamental aspect of being human.
When discussing erotic content, most people tend to focus on how such material can help individuals explore their own desires and fantasies, but few have analyzed the impact this type of exposure may have on people's personal lives. This article will examine whether the constant consumption of curated sexual content can serve as a sort of rehearsal for relational scripts that might differ from real life experiences. It will also consider the potential ethical implications of this situation.
It is essential to define the term "curated" to clarify which kind of sexual content should be considered within the scope of this discussion. Curated content refers to material created and presented for the purpose of entertainment or education that has undergone careful selection by an editorial team responsible for gathering, editing, and presenting such material. In other words, curated content is not random; rather, it is intentional and thoughtfully crafted with specific audiences in mind. This definition includes all kinds of media ranging from erotica and pornography to sexually suggestive music videos and television series. Therefore, the question we need to answer is whether such content can influence people's ideas about intimacy, relationships, and sexual encounters outside its context.
When examining this topic, it is necessary to take into account several factors related to the nature of curated sexual content itself. Firstly, such material often contains unrealistic portrayals of romantic or sexual situations, where characters engage in activities without any consequences or negative emotions. Secondly, many pieces of curated sexual content are designed to cater to particular demographics, so they may not accurately represent everyday life experiences of individuals.
Most erotic content is produced and directed by men, which means that women's perspectives tend to be overlooked or exaggerated.
There are some studies suggesting that repeated exposure to curated sexual content might have a real impact on how viewers approach their daily lives.
Researchers found that frequent viewers of erotic material were more likely to exhibit problematic behaviors when engaging in real-life sexual interactions than those who had no exposure to such material (Xiong et al., 2019). Other scholars suggested that such exposure could condition users to accept certain behaviors as normal despite being harmful or inappropriate (Gordon et al., 2021).
These findings indicate that curated sexual content may affect individuals' behavior and expectations regarding intimate encounters.
The ethical implications of this situation should also be taken into consideration since curated sexual content can influence people's views about gender roles, consent, power dynamics, and other critical aspects of human relationships. Some experts suggest that exposure to this type of material could lead to increased tolerance for abusive behavior, objectification of partners, and unrealistic expectations about romantic relationships (Rossiter et al., 2020). In addition, it is believed that such content promotes an unhealthy emphasis on physical appearance and performance rather than emotional connection or respectful communication. These effects should not be underestimated because they can contribute to increasing rates of domestic violence and sexual assault (Bakalar & McNamara, 2017).
The regular consumption of curated sexual content has the potential to alter how individuals perceive relationships outside its context. This effect can be especially concerning given the possible negative consequences discussed earlier, including a distorted view of gender roles, coercive practices, and an increase in problematic behaviors during real-life interactions. Therefore, it is essential to promote more balanced and responsible depictions of human sexuality in our society, which includes educating consumers about the potential risks associated with excessive exposure to erotic materials. By doing so, we can reduce the harmful effects of these media products and promote healthier and more equitable intimate experiences.
Can repeated exposure to curated sexual content function as a rehearsal for relational scripts that diverge from lived relational experience, and what are the ethical implications?
In general, it is possible that repeated exposure to curated sexual content can serve as a rehearsal for relational scripts that may differ from individuals' lived experiences. This can lead to various ethical implications, including potential desensitization to harmful messages, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and perpetuation of negative stereotypes.