When discussing gender and sexuality during the teenage years, there is no shortage of challenges that young people face when it comes to their own identity formation. Adolescents experience many changes as they grow into adults, including physical growth spurts, social pressures, academic stressors, emotional instability, and hormonal fluctuations, all while trying to figure out who they are and what place they have in the world. For many adolescents, this process can be particularly difficult if they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, or non-binary (LGBTQIA+), as they may struggle to find representation in society or even within their own families. This has led to increased attention being given to the impact of media portrayals on LGBTQIA+ identity development.
Researchers have found that the way in which LGBTQIA+ individuals are depicted in the media can greatly influence how adolescents view themselves and their place in the world. Positive representations showcase successful, happy, and healthy individuals who are able to achieve their goals, whereas negative representations highlight prejudice, discrimination, violence, and mental illness. This difference between positive versus negative media portrayals of LGBT experiences influences adolescent identity development and self-concept.
Positive Media Portrayals of LGBT Experiences
Adolescents who consume positive media portrayals of LGBTQIA+ individuals often report feeling more comfortable with their identities and less likely to experience internalized homophobia or transphobia. Seeing characters like them in movies, television shows, books, magazines, or social media posts helps young people feel seen and heard, and allows them to see that there is hope for a happy future despite societal challenges. It also reinforces the message that they are valid and deserving of love, respect, and support.
One study showed that exposure to positive LGBTQIA+ media content was associated with decreased anxiety, depression, and suicidality among teenage boys.
Positive media portrayals can also help reduce stigma surrounding LGBTQIA+ individuals by normalizing their existence and presenting them as complex, multifaceted human beings. Rather than being defined solely by their sexuality or gender identity, these characters are shown engaging in everyday activities like going to school, working, playing sports, dating, and pursuing hobbies, much like their heterosexual and cisgender peers. By showing different aspects of their lives, positive media representations show that LGBTQIA+ individuals are not "other" but rather part of the same community as everyone else. This can foster a sense of belonging and acceptance within adolescent audiences.
Negative Media Portrayals of LGBT Experiences
Negative media portrayals of LGBTQIA+ experiences can have a detrimental effect on adolescents' self-concept. Adolescents who consume media that highlights prejudice, discrimination, violence, and mental illness related to LGBTQIA+ identities may internalize this messaging and begin to believe that there is something wrong with themselves or their identities. They may feel ashamed, isolated, and alone, leading to increased feelings of social anxiety and isolation. This can lead to further stigmatization and marginalization, which can contribute to poorer health outcomes.
One study found that exposure to television shows that presented negative stereotypes about transgender individuals was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms among teenage girls. Another study showed that adolescents who consumed more homophobic content were more likely to experience suicidal ideation. Negative media portrayals can also perpetuate harmful myths and misconceptions about LGBTQIA+ individuals, reinforcing the idea that they are dangerous, immoral, or unworthy of love and support. This can create a culture of fear and hatred around these groups, making it even harder for them to find acceptance and safety in society.
Research has shown that positive versus negative media portrayals of LGBT experiences greatly influence adolescent identity development and self-concept. Positive representations can increase feelings of comfort, belonging, and hope, while negative representations can decrease self-esteem, foster stigma, and increase risk factors for poor mental health outcomes. It is important for media creators to be mindful of how they represent LGBTQIA+ individuals, as the impact of their work can have long-lasting consequences for young people's wellbeing.
How do positive versus negative media portrayals of LGBT experiences influence adolescent identity development and self-concept?
Research has shown that adolescents who identify as LGBT are particularly vulnerable to experiencing stigma and discrimination from their peers and society at large. This can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Positive media portrayals of LGBT experiences can help normalize these identities for adolescents and reduce the impact of stigma by providing representation and role models.