Media portrayals of bisexual people have increased significantly over the past decade, but they still represent a small minority of all bisexuals. Bisexual individuals are often stereotyped as promiscuous, unstable, confused, or even non-existent. These negative images can lead to discrimination, stigma, and mental health issues. In contrast, positive media representations can foster acceptance, support, and confidence. This paper will explore how media depictions influence adolescent bisexual identity development, internalized biases, and self-concept. The author will examine several studies that illustrate this relationship and provide recommendations for improving representation.
There has been an increase in media coverage of bisexual people, particularly on television shows such as 'Grey's Anatomy', 'The Good Wife', and 'Orange Is the New Black'.
These characters are often portrayed as sexually promiscuous, unfaithful, or otherwise undesirable. This has led to significant stigmatization and misunderstanding of bisexual individuals.
Researchers have found that bisexual women report more experiences of rejection than their heterosexual or lesbian counterparts (Pachankis & Goldfried, 2014). Such findings suggest that negative media portrayals contribute to poor outcomes among bisexual youth.
Impact on Identity Development
Much of identity formation occurs during adolescence, when young people begin to explore and define themselves socially and sexually. Adolescents who identify as bisexual may struggle with coming out and experiencing social rejection due to stereotypes and prejudice. Research suggests that exposure to media portraying bisexuals as "deviant" leads to a decreased likelihood of identifying as bisexual among those aged 13-17 (Starks et al., 2015). In contrast, positive representations can enhance feelings of belonging and pride among bisexual youth. One study found that adolescents who watched a fictionalized film featuring a bisexual character were more likely to view bisexuality favorably compared to a control group (Fisher & Flynn, 2015). These results suggest that media depictions can influence self-concept in meaningful ways for young people struggling with sexual identity.
Internalized Biases
Negative attitudes towards bisexuality are often internalized by those who experience discrimination. Studies have shown that bisexual individuals tend to experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidality than their heterosexual or gay/lesbian peers (Hatzenbuehler, 2014). This is partly because they face stigma from within both the straight and queer communities, resulting in feelings of isolation and shame. Media depictions can exacerbate these issues by reinforcing negative stereotypes and perpetuating biphobia.
One study showed that young adults who viewed images of bisexuals before completing an implicit association test had stronger associations between bisexuality and words like "confused", "promiscuous", and "unstable" compared to those who saw neutral pictures (Mustanski et al., 2016).
Recommendations for Improving Representation
Media outlets should work to portray bisexual characters as complex, multifaceted individuals rather than sexual objects or jokes. They should also include positive examples of bisexual relationships and highlight diverse experiences within the community. By doing so, they can help reduce stigmatization and foster a more supportive environment for bisexual youth.
Educators and parents should discuss media portrayals with adolescents and encourage them to seek out positive role models and resources.
Researchers should continue studying the impact of media on identity development to inform policy and practice.
Media representations play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards bisexuality among adolescents. Positive portrayals can increase self-acceptance, while negative ones contribute to internalized biases and mental health concerns. It is crucial for media outlets, educators, and policymakers to address these issues and promote inclusivity and understanding.
How do media portrayals impact adolescent bisexual identity, internalized biases, and self-concept?
Media portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals have historically been dominated by cisgender heterosexual men and women who identify as either gay or lesbian. As a result, many adolescents struggling with their sexuality may find themselves feeling alienated or left out due to the lack of accurate representation that reflects the complexities of their identities. This can lead to negative feelings of isolation and confusion which could potentially contribute to poor mental health.