Sexualization is often defined as the process through which something or someone becomes associated with sexuality. It can be conveyed through visual images, gestures, sounds, language, etc., and it's usually seen in media such as movies, television shows, music videos, and video games. Sexualization has become a widespread issue in modern society because it shapes people's perceptions of what constitutes appropriate behavior between men and women. In this article, I will explore how exposure to sexualized content in video games influences sexual scripts and relational expectations.
How does sexualized content appear in video games?
Sexualized content appears in video games in many different forms, including scenes where characters are naked, engage in explicit acts, or wear revealing outfits. Some examples include 'Grand Theft Auto', 'Fallout', 'Resident Evil', 'Call of Duty', 'Mass Effect', 'God of War', and 'Final Fantasy'. These games feature female characters who are shown in sexual poses, clothing that accentuates their curves, and sexual dialogue. The purpose of this type of content is to attract players by creating an erotic atmosphere, but it also sends negative messages about gender roles and relationships.
What are sexual scripts?
A script is a set of rules for social interaction that determines how people behave in a particular situation. When it comes to sex, there are specific scripts that define acceptable behaviors, roles, and attitudes towards intimacy.
Men should initiate sexual encounters while women should respond with interest or rejection based on their desire. This script is called the "script theory" and was developed by sociologist John Gagnon and William Simon. It suggests that sexual scripts are learned from culture and media, so they can be reinforced through exposure to sexualized content in video games.
How do sexual scripts influence relational expectations?
Exposure to sexualized content in video games can create unrealistic expectations about what constitutes normal behavior in romantic relationships. Players may come to believe that women always respond positively to advances, which can lead to harassment or abuse in real life. They may also feel entitled to receive physical gratification without reciprocity, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Games often portray women as passive objects of desire rather than active participants in intimate relationships, which can contribute to objectification and misogyny. In some cases, these negative effects can last long after the game has been turned off.
How does exposure to sexualized content in video games influence sexual scripts and relational expectations?
Sexualization is a concept used to describe images that emphasize erotic qualities of human bodies and/or suggest a sexual relationship between characters within a game narrative. Exposure to this kind of content has been found to impact cognitive processes like attention regulation, memory consolidation, and decision making which can have long-term effects on the individuals' beliefs and behavior.