Gendered sexual norms are societal beliefs about the expected behavior of males and females when it comes to expressing their sexuality. These norms include how much physical contact is acceptable between men and women, what kind of clothing is considered appropriate for each gender, who initiates sexual interactions, and which activities constitute romantic or sexual encounters. In online gaming environments, these norms can be reinforced through the actions of players, the game mechanics themselves, and the broader social context surrounding the games.
One way that online gaming environments may reinforce gendered sexual norms among adolescents is through the types of characters available for play. Many games feature male and female avatars that conform to stereotypical gender roles, such as hypermasculine action heroes and damsels in distress. This can lead to a reinforcement of the idea that masculinity requires physical strength and aggression while femininity involves being weak and helpless.
Some games may allow players to customize their characters' appearance in ways that emphasize certain body parts or features, such as large breasts or muscular arms. This can contribute to the objectification of both genders and perpetuate the notion that women are sexual objects rather than whole individuals.
Another way that online gaming environments may reinforce gendered sexual norms is through the use of virtual currency systems. Some games require players to purchase items with real money in order to progress through the game. Players can then use these items to enhance their characters' abilities, including improving their appearance. This can create a situation where players feel pressure to spend more money on cosmetic upgrades in order to increase their attractiveness and appeal to other players. This can have the effect of privileging those who have more disposable income, which is often men, and reinforcing the belief that women must rely on their looks in order to be desirable.
The broader social context surrounding online gaming can also influence how adolescents perceive gendered sexual norms. Games are often marketed towards boys, and many of them feature violence and adventure stories that center around masculine power fantasies. This can create an environment where male players feel pressure to act tough and dominant, while female players may feel like they need to play into traditional roles in order to fit in with their peers.
The prevalence of misogynistic language and behavior in online gaming communities can normalize sexist attitudes and make it harder for girls to express themselves freely.
How do online gaming environments reinforce gendered sexual norms among adolescents?
While playing video games with other players, adolescents may learn gendered behaviors, such as aggressiveness or dominance (Carrigan & Barr, 2013). These characteristics can be seen as desirable traits for male gamers but not for female gamers.