Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube are now a popular source of entertainment for many people, but they can also have significant impacts on how young people view and understand their sexuality. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of content on these platforms that is focused on sexual themes, which may influence the way adolescents view themselves and others in relation to sex and intimacy. This research explores how engagement with such content informs adolescents' knowledge of sexual norms and behavior, looking specifically at whether it affects their attitudes towards gender roles, expectations around sexual activity, and perceptions of consent.
One potential effect of exposure to sexualized media content is that it may lead adolescents to develop unrealistic expectations about what constitutes "normal" sexual behavior.
Certain types of videos and posts might depict sexual acts as casual or easy, without fully exploring the emotional or physical consequences involved. As a result, teens who consume this type of content may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors or feel pressure to act in ways that do not reflect their own values or desires.
Some content may present ideas about gender roles that perpetuate harmful stereotypes, such as suggesting that women should always be submissive or that men must be masculine and aggressive.
Another possible outcome of engaging with sexualized social media content is that adolescents may start to believe that certain types of relationships or interactions are expected or required in order to be seen as attractive or desirable.
They may see TikTok influencers making jokes about "slut shaming" someone who does not want to have sex, leading them to internalize messages that they need to perform a certain level of sexuality in order to fit in with their peers. They may also be exposed to content that reinforces traditional gender roles, which could make it harder for them to explore their own identities and preferences outside of these norms.
This research suggests that engagement with sexualized social media content can play a role in how adolescents understand and navigate their developing sexuality. It is important for parents, educators, and other adults to help young people develop critical thinking skills around this type of media so they can make informed decisions about what they consume and avoid being pressured into behavior they don't want or believe in. By doing so, we can help create healthier and more inclusive attitudes towards sex and intimacy among teens.
How does engagement with sexualized TikTok or YouTube content inform adolescents' knowledge of sexual norms and behavior?
The exposure to sexualized content on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube can have both positive and negative effects on adolescents' understanding of sexual norms and behaviors. On one hand, it can provide them with information about different types of sexual experiences and relationships that they may not be exposed to otherwise, which can help them make informed decisions about their own lives.