Romantic movies are a popular form of entertainment for teenagers. They may be fun to watch, but they can also have an impact on their expectations for romance and sexual encounters. These expectations can become internalized scripts that influence behavior and perceptions.
The main character often has idealized traits such as beauty, wealth, intelligence, or wit. This is unrealistic and sets unreasonable standards for real life relationships. Some movies show intense physical attraction between two people who meet quickly, without getting to know each other well. The characters engage in passionate kissing and touching immediately after meeting, skipping over friendship and dating stages. Many scenes involve long periods of eye contact, intimate glances, and intense stares. This creates an expectation that this level of connection is necessary before sex.
Many movies depict a storyline involving a couple falling in love despite obstacles and challenges. There's usually a happy ending where the couple gets together. Romantic comedies often include humorous situations, misunderstandings, and miscommunication.
This type of plot creates a false narrative that all problems can be solved with communication and compromise. It suggests that conflict leads to growth and strengthens bonds, when in reality, it can lead to tension and breakups.
Sexual content in TV shows and movies is common. Scenes with nudity, foreplay, and sex can be graphic and explicit. Shows like Game of Thrones have a reputation for its steamy sex scenes. Teenagers may see these portrayals as normal or expected. They might think that they need to be experienced in certain ways to feel confident and desirable. They may not realize that many couples are more conservative and reserved.
Online dating apps and social media platforms also create expectations about romance and sexual encounters. Teenagers can see profiles and messages that suggest instant hook-ups and casual sex. They may believe this behavior is acceptable or even encouraged, but it can be harmful to their mental health and relationships. In contrast, realistic TV shows like The Fosters and Euphoria show the emotional impact of intimacy without glorifying promiscuous behavior.
Parents should discuss the influence of media on teenage relationships and help them develop healthy attitudes towards sex and intimacy. They can teach openness, consent, respect, and boundaries, while being aware of the risks associated with unprotected sex. Movies, TV shows, and online interactions should be viewed as fantasy and not an accurate representation of reality.
The bottom line is that cinematic and televised portrayals of romance do create internalized scripts that guide adolescent sexual expectations. These scripts can lead to unrealistic and harmful behaviors. Parents must educate themselves and their children to avoid these negative effects.
Do cinematic and televised portrayals of romance create internalized scripts that guide adolescent sexual expectations?
Several studies have found that popular media can influence young people's perceptions of sex and relationships. Researchers believe that exposure to various forms of media may lead to internalization of idealized and unrealistic images of romantic partnerships, which could shape teenagers' attitudes toward dating and sexual behavior.