Influencer culture has become an increasingly important part of modern youth culture, with many young people looking to social media personalities for guidance on everything from fashion trends to relationship advice.
There is growing concern about the impact that these figures have on adolescents' sexual attitudes and behaviors. In particular, some worry that influencers may be setting unrealistic expectations for what constitutes a healthy or normal relationship, while others argue that they can help teens navigate their own sexual development. This essay will explore how online influencers shape teenage sexual norms and relational beliefs, and discuss strategies that teens can use to cultivate resistance or critical engagement with this content.
Online Influencers: What They Are and Why They Matter to Teens
Online influencers are individuals who have built large followings on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. These individuals often create videos or photos that showcase their lifestyle, share tips and advice, and build communities around shared interests. Many influencers focus on beauty, fitness, fashion, and other areas related to appearance, but some also address relationships and sex in their content.
The Impact of Influencers on Adolescent Sexual Norms and Relational Beliefs
The popularity of influencers has grown rapidly over the past decade, with some individuals amassing millions of followers and earning significant income from sponsorships and endorsements. While there is no definitive data on how many teens follow influencers' content, it is clear that many young people find this material appealing. Studies have found that teens are particularly drawn to content that addresses issues related to sex and dating, with one study finding that 58% of respondents had watched at least one video about relationships in the previous month.
Setting Unrealistic Expectations for Relationships
Some researchers argue that influencer culture may be setting unrealistic expectations for what constitutes a healthy or normal relationship.
Some influencers promote the idea that romantic relationships should be "insta-perfect," with couples always looking flawless in every photo and never arguing or fighting. This can put pressure on adolescents to conform to an idealized version of love that is not achievable in real life. Similarly, influencers who present themselves as highly sexualized or promiscuous may encourage teens to engage in risky behaviors without considering the consequences.
Promoting Positive Attitudes Toward Diversity
Others argue that online influencers can help teens navigate their own sexual development by providing positive representations of diverse experiences.
Some creators focus on LGBTQ+ relationships or discuss topics like body positivity and consent in ways that may be difficult to find elsewhere. These messages can empower young people to explore their own identities and beliefs while also helping them build healthier relationships with peers and partners.
Strategies for Cultivating Resistance or Critical Engagement With Influencer Content
There are several strategies that teens can use to cultivate resistance or critical engagement with influencer content:
* Seek out alternative sources of information and advice: Teens should look beyond social media for guidance on sex and relationships, seeking out books, articles, and other resources that provide more nuanced perspectives.
* Question the motivations behind influencer content: Adolescents should consider whether an influencer's message aligns with their own values and goals. If not, they should seek out alternative viewpoints or ignore the content altogether.
* Recognize that all relationships have ups and downs: No relationship is perfect, and even "insta-perfect" couples go through rough patches. Teens should recognize this reality and avoid comparing their own lives to unrealistic expectations set by influencers.
* Develop a strong support network: Teens who feel comfortable talking about relationships with friends, family members, or professionals may be less likely to rely solely on online influencers for guidance.
Online influencers play a significant role in shaping adolescent sexual norms and relational beliefs. While some creators promote positive messages, others may set unrealistic expectations or encourage risky behavior.
There are steps that teens can take to cultivate resistance or critical engagement with this content, recognizing that no one source of information can provide all the answers. By seeking out diverse perspectives and developing healthy relationships both online and offline, young people can navigate their own path toward a fulfilling and meaningful life.
How do online influencers shape adolescent sexual norms and relational beliefs, and how do teens cultivate resistance or critical engagement with their content?
Online influencers can shape adolescent perceptions of sexuality and relationships by presenting an idealized and unrealistic version of these topics on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. This often leads to teenagers having a distorted view of what is considered "normal" or desirable when it comes to sex and relationships.