The media plays an important role in shaping how society views sexuality. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the messages that they receive from the media because their sexual development is in progress and they are impressionable. This paper will explore how the imitation of sexual behavior exhibited by media personalities influences sexual decision making and normative expectations among adolescents.
Sexual Behaviors Exhibited by Media Personalities
Sexual behaviors exhibited by media personalities can include everything from flirting, kissing, touching, petting, and intercourse. These behaviors may be depicted in movies, television shows, music videos, and advertising. Media personalities often engage in these behaviors for entertainment purposes, but their actions can have unintended consequences. Studies have shown that viewers who watch sexualized programs are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors themselves.
Impact on Sexual Decision Making
Adolescents who see sexual behaviors being portrayed in the media may feel pressured to act similarly in real life. They may feel like they need to engage in similar activities or otherwise risk being considered outcasts.
If a teenager sees two celebrities kissing passionately on a movie screen, they may start to believe that this is what relationships should look like in reality. This can lead them to make decisions about their own sexual activity based on false assumptions.
Impact on Normative Expectations
Media personalities may also set unrealistic standards for sexuality. Adolescents may come to expect that all couples behave sexually in certain ways, even though not everyone does so. This can create pressure for young people to meet those unrealistic standards, which may cause them to feel inadequate or ashamed of their own sexuality. The media may also suggest that certain types of behavior are normal when they are not. This can result in harmful beliefs about gender roles, consent, and other important issues related to sexuality.
The imitation of sexual behaviors exhibited by media personalities can influence adolescent decision-making and normative expectations. It is important for parents, educators, and other adults to help young people understand that the media does not always reflect real life and that there is no one right way to express sexuality. By providing accurate information about sexuality and healthy relationships, we can help adolescents develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.
How does the imitation of sexual behaviors exhibited by media personalities influence sexual decision-making and normative expectations among adolescents?
Media personalities often portray sexually suggestive behavior that is far removed from reality. This can lead to unrealistic sexual expectations and decisions among teenagers. Media portrayals are not representative of real life relationships, which include communication, trust, intimacy, and mutual respect. These depictions normalize sexual violence, coercion, promiscuity, infidelity, and deception.