Romantic love is an essential aspect of human life that has been explored through various art forms such as literature, poetry, paintings, sculptures, dance, theatre, television, and films. These art forms have helped to shape our understanding of what it means to be in love and how to express our feelings for someone else. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in examining how music, film, and other media can scaffold adolescent understandings of romance and sexual identity.
Sexuality refers to a person's sense of self-identity and attraction to others based on physical characteristics, emotions, behaviors, social roles, and personal preferences. Romantic identity is an individual's perception of himself or herself as a romantic partner. According to Hargreaves and Northrup (2019), adolescents are constantly exposed to different types of media that influence their understanding of sexuality and romantic identity. This includes movies, TV shows, songs, books, magazines, social media, advertisements, and video games. The impact of these media on young people's understanding of sex and relationships cannot be overstated since they provide them with information about what it means to be in love, how to behave in a relationship, and the importance of intimacy.
Romantic comedies, which are popular among teenagers, portray idealized versions of relationships that often do not reflect reality. These movies suggest that falling in love is effortless, easy, and does not require much work. They also imply that romantic partners should always be perfect and supportive, even when things go wrong. Adolescents may get this misconception and end up believing that real life relationships are similar to those depicted in films, leading to disappointment and frustration when they fail to meet these unrealistic expectations.
Some films promote negative stereotypes about gender roles, such as women being submissive and men being dominant in relationships, which can have harmful consequences for both genders.
The role of music in shaping adolescent understandings of romance and sexual identity cannot be underestimated either. Songs are an important source of information about what it means to be attracted to someone else and how to express one's feelings. Some songs glamorize romantic relationships by emphasizing the excitement and thrill associated with being "in love." Others celebrate infidelity or casual encounters, making it seem like an acceptable behavior.
Many artists present themselves as romantic figures who are attractive and desirable to their fans, creating unrealistic standards for young people to aspire to.
Media can also help adolescents develop positive attitudes towards sex and relationships.
Some TV shows highlight healthy communication between romantic partners, promoting openness and honesty in relationships. Music videos and social media content can showcase diverse representations of sexuality and intimacy, including LGBTQ+ relationships, polyamory, and consensual non-monogamy. These portrayals can create a sense of acceptance and inclusivity among young people, allowing them to explore different identities without fear of judgment or rejection.
Music, film, and other media play a significant role in scaffolding adolescent understanding of romance and sexual identity. While they can promote negative stereotypes and false expectations, they can also provide valuable insights into healthy relationships, diversity, and inclusion. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals should work together to help teenagers navigate these influences and develop a more nuanced view of romance and sexuality.
How do music, film, and other media scaffold adolescent understandings of romance and sexual identity?
Music, films, and other media are commonly used by adolescents to learn about romantic relationships and their identities. These sources can provide them with information on how people interact with each other as well as different types of intimate interactions that they may encounter throughout their lives.