Adolescence is a time when teenagers begin to explore their sexuality, develop romantic feelings, and learn how to navigate social situations involving sex and relationships.
They may face various challenges and threats to their safety and wellbeing while exploring these topics online. In recent years, there has been an increasing prevalence of cyberbullying, including sexually explicit comments directed towards adolescents. This study examines how adolescents' emotional defenses against online sexual comments differ depending on gender.
The findings reveal that female adolescents are more likely than male adolescents to experience distress after receiving sexual comments. Female adolescents may be more vulnerable to such comments due to societal expectations regarding femininity and women's sexuality. They may feel shame, embarrassment, and fear about being judged as promiscuous or provocative. On the other hand, male adolescents may be less affected by sexual comments because society generally expects them to be sexually active, which can lead to desensitization. Male adolescents also tend to have greater access to pornography, which normalizes objectifying and dehumanizing behavior toward females.
Cultural norms surrounding masculinity may encourage them to engage in risky behaviors that involve flirting with females or making lewd remarks online.
The study found that female adolescents use different strategies to cope with sexual comments compared to male adolescents.
They may delete the comment or block the user, whereas males may respond aggressively or ignore the comment. Females may also seek support from friends or family members, whereas males may turn to humor or self-deprecation. The study suggests that this disparity in coping strategies may result from gendered socialization patterns that reinforce traditional gender roles.
This study highlights the importance of understanding how gender affects adolescent responses to cyberbullying involving sexual comments. It calls for further research into the impact of socialization on adolescent emotions and defenses against cyberthreats. By recognizing these differences, educators, parents, and mental health professionals can better support young people navigating the complexities of online relationships and sexuality.
How do adolescents' emotional defenses against online sexual comments differ depending on gender?
In today's digital world where social media plays an increasingly important role in communication, adolescents are becoming more vulnerable to experiencing online harassment, including sexual comments. While both boys and girls may develop strong defensive mechanisms to protect themselves from such incidents, research shows that there are differences between their responses based on gender.