Sexuality is a central aspect of human life. We experience it from birth to death, from infancy to old age. It involves our bodies, desires, emotions, identities, and relationships. Sexuality defines who we are as individuals and how we relate to others. Our sexuality is influenced by culture, religion, social norms, personal experiences, education, and many other factors. One major factor that has an impact on our sexuality is mass media. Media like television, movies, music, books, magazines, and social media shape our ideas about love, romance, attraction, sex, and relationships. They can influence internalized sexual scripts and expectations - what we think is normal, natural, and acceptable when it comes to sex and relationships. This article will explore this phenomenon in detail.
Let's define "sexual script" and "internalization". A "script" is a pattern or set of rules for behavior. Internalizing something means accepting it as true or right without questioning it.
If your parents tell you that you should be polite and respectful towards adults because they know more than children do, you might accept this idea and act accordingly. If your favorite TV show portrays women as weak, submissive, and dependent on men, you might start to believe that this is the way things should be between men and women. These messages become part of your internal sexual script - your unconscious belief system about what is normal or expected in terms of sex and relationships.
Let's look at the ways in which media influences these internalized sexual scripts. Firstly, media can create or reinforce stereotypes. Stereotypes are generalizations about groups of people based on their race, gender, age, class, nationality, etc. When it comes to sex and relationships, media often presents simplistic and exaggerated versions of masculinity and femininity, heterosexuality and homosexuality, monogamy and non-monogamy, dominant and submissive roles, and other aspects of human interaction. Some examples include: Men are supposed to be strong, tough, aggressive, and good with tools; women are supposed to be gentle, passive, emotional, and good at cooking; gay people are promiscuous, wild, and flamboyant; lesbians are butch and masculine; polyamory is always successful and exciting. These stereotypes influence how we think about ourselves and others, and shape our expectations for romantic and sexual encounters.
Another way in which media shapes internalized sexual scripts is by creating ideals and standards of beauty. Media bombards us with images of attractive, slim, young, white, able-bodied, and wealthy individuals as the ideal type. This makes many people feel inadequate and ashamed, leading them to seek out cosmetic surgeries, diets, fitness regimes, and other means to conform to the standard. It also affects how we approach potential partners - if someone does not meet these beauty ideals, they may be considered less worthy or desirable.
Media glorifies casual dating, short-term relationships, one-night stands, and hookups, while marginalizing long-term commitment, fidelity, and intimacy. This can make it difficult for people to build meaningful connections based on trust, respect, and loyalty.
Media influences our attitudes towards consent, boundaries, and pleasure. Many TV shows, movies, and music videos portray sex as a thrilling adventure without much discussion of safety or responsibility. They depict sexual acts that would never happen in real life, such as multiple partners, risky behavior, and public locations. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and dangerous situations.
Mainstream pornography often objectifies women and presents men as aggressors, which can harm both genders' views of themselves and each other.
Mass media has a significant impact on our internalized sexual scripts and expectations. By presenting stereotypes, ideals, and fantasies, it shapes our ideas about love, romance, attraction, sex, and relationships. We need to be critical consumers of media, questioning what we see and hearing and seeking out alternative perspectives. At the same time, we should strive to create healthy and positive sexual scripts within ourselves, based on communication, mutuality, consent, pleasure, and respect.
How do mass media influence internalized sexual scripts and expectations?
In recent years, researchers have explored how media exposure can shape individuals' ideas of what constitutes "normal" sexual behavior, as well as their attitudes towards gender roles within sexual relationships.