Adolescence is an important stage of life characterized by physical, psychological, and emotional changes that have significant impacts on one's future life. It is during this time when children experience their first romantic experiences, and they also start interacting with peers of the opposite gender for the first time.
There has been a dramatic increase in the amount of exposure to pornography among teenagers due to the rise in accessibility of mobile devices and the internet. With social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat being used regularly by young people, it has become easy to stumble upon explicit content while surfing. This has led to serious consequences, especially regarding adolescent's understanding of sex and sexual identity development.
Research has shown that exposure to sexually explicit content influences adolescents' and young adults' sexual identity development. According to a study conducted in 2018 by Dr. Johnston and her colleagues from Brigham Young University, adolescents who are exposed to pornography at an early age tend to have more negative views about relationships. The study found that girls who were exposed to pornography before age 13 had more difficult relationships as young women than those who did not. Another study published in 2016 revealed that males who watched pornography before puberty tended to view themselves differently after exposure to such materials. They were less likely to believe in traditional relationship roles. A third study showed that females who watched a lot of pornography were more likely to accept violence against women.
Another study suggested that watching pornography can help build confidence and self-esteem in both genders. It can also provide young people with knowledge about sex and help them prepare for future experiences.
This benefit is only true if they watch pornography with their partners or parents. Watching pornography alone does not give much value since it does not teach people how to communicate effectively with their partner or practice safe sex. In addition, the amount of time spent watching pornography does not necessarily equate to having better sexual experiences later on.
There is no clear consensus on whether or not watching pornography helps or hurts an individual's sexual identity development.
Exposure to explicit content has also been linked to a distorted understanding of what constitutes healthy relationships. According to researchers, most pornographic material depicts violent behavior, including physical aggression, verbal abuse, and humiliation. This type of content desensitizes adolescents to these acts, leading them to believe that this is how normal relationships should be.
Pornographic films often portray unrealistic body types, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth among young people. Another study found that teenagers who view pornography are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drunkenness and drug use. They may also have trouble forming stable romantic relationships due to their addiction to pornography.
Watching pornography also influences ethical reasoning, especially when adolescents do not understand the consequences of their actions.
Young people may assume that engaging in various sexual activities is acceptable without considering the emotional impact on themselves or others. Some teens may also develop skewed views about consent and boundaries, believing that anything goes if it feels good at the moment. As a result, they may become victims of sex crimes or perpetrate such crimes against other individuals. The lack of moral reasoning skills makes it difficult for young people to determine right from wrong regarding sex.
Exposure to sexually explicit content has both positive and negative effects on adolescents' and young adults' sexual identity development, relational understanding, and ethical reasoning. While watching pornography alone does not necessarily harm anyone, it can affect how one views sexuality and relationships. Adults need to talk openly with young people about the dangers of consuming too much pornography and help them develop healthy attitudes toward intimacy. It is crucial to provide them with accurate information about safe sex practices and encourage them to seek professional help if needed.
How does exposure to sexually explicit content on social media influence adolescents' and young adults' sexual identity development, relational understanding, and ethical reasoning?
There are many ways that exposure to sexually explicit content on social media can influence adolescents' and young adults' sexual identity development, relational understanding, and ethical reasoning. Firstly, it can cause confusion about what is appropriate behavior and lead to unrealistic expectations of others. Secondly, it can create feelings of shame and embarrassment related to one's own body and sexuality.