How do curated sexual portrayals in social media affect adolescents' fantasies, emotional development, and sexual expectations?
Social media is an increasingly important part of the lives of young people today. As teenagers grow up online, they are constantly exposed to a wide variety of images, videos, stories, articles, and other forms of content related to sex and sexuality. This can have both positive and negative effects on their sexual development. In this article, I will explore how social media curates these representations for its users, what types of messages it sends, and how these messages may influence adolescent attitudes towards sex.
Curated sexual portrayals in social media
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook all feature content related to sex, sexuality, and intimacy. These include explicit videos, suggestive pictures, advice columns, and even pornography. Social media companies employ algorithms that determine which posts get promoted and featured most prominently in each user's feed based on engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares. The result is that adolescents often see highly idealized, unrealistic depictions of sex and relationships. This can lead them to develop unhealthy expectations about what sex should be like, who they should have sex with, and how often they should have sex.
Positive effects of exposure to social media
On the one hand, exposure to social media can help adolescents learn about different aspects of sex and sexuality. They can read articles or watch videos about safe sex practices, learn about the physiology of arousal, and get tips on communicating effectively during intimate encounters. Adults may also use social media to share helpful information and resources on these topics.
Much of the content available online is not created with young people in mind and does not provide nuanced or accurate guidance. This can leave teenagers feeling confused and overwhelmed by conflicting messages.
Negative effects of exposure to social media
Many adolescents feel pressure to conform to the standards set by social media influencers and celebrities. This can lead to unrealistic body image expectations and a desire for hyper-sexualized behavior. It can also contribute to a sense of isolation and loneliness as teens compare themselves to others whose lives seem more exciting or fulfilling than their own.
Adolescents may become desensitized to violence, abuse, and other negative behaviors that are often glamorized or normalized in pornography and other explicit content.
Social media has both positive and negative impacts on adolescent attitudes towards sex and sexuality. While it can be useful for learning about healthy relationships and communication skills, it can also lead to unhealthy fantasies and unrealistic expectations.
Parents and educators need to work together to help young people develop healthy sexual identities and navigate the complex world of online relationships safely and responsibly.
How do curated sexual portrayals in social media affect adolescents' fantasies, emotional development, and sexual expectations?
Sexual depictions on social media can have various effects on adolescents' emotional growth, fantasies, and sexual expectations, including impacting their perception of what is "normal" or acceptable for intimate relationships. As they explore their identities, peer groups may pressure them into adopting particular norms that are not necessarily healthy or aligned with their values.