Sexuality is an intrinsic part of human nature that manifests itself in various forms including but not limited to physical attraction, emotional bonding, sexual activity, and love. It is common knowledge that humans learn from their surroundings, and so, they are influenced by their environment while making decisions regarding their own behavior, actions, and interactions with others. The mass media plays a significant role in shaping people's opinions about several aspects of life, especially when it comes to sex and romance. Media portrayals of sex have an immense influence on individual sexual expectations; however, there has been an increasing prevalence of distorted depictions of sex in various types of media, such as TV shows, movies, books, magazines, and social media, which can create unrealistic expectations for individuals regarding what sex should be like.
The portrayal of sex in the media has undergone drastic changes throughout history, evolving from subtle hints to explicit displays. Early filmmakers avoided showing any kind of nudity or intimate scenes, even though sexuality was still present through suggestive dialogue and body language.
Today's cinema presents highly detailed visuals of sexual acts and relationships without hesitation, leading to increased scrutiny. While some argue that this level of explicitness helps normalize sex and provides accurate information, others believe it creates false standards of perfection.
Most pornographic movies portray women as submissive and available at all times, often resulting in disillusionment among men who fail to meet these expectations in real-life situations. Similarly, the media often exaggerates the frequency of orgasms during sex, setting up unattainable goals for both partners.
Sex is not only shown as something enjoyable but also as a crucial aspect of everyday life that everyone must engage in regularly. There are countless examples where characters are expected to engage in sex when they don't want to or feel pressured into doing so due to societal norms. This pressure can lead to negative consequences for the individual, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and shame. Such distorted depictions of sex may cause people to have a skewed view of their own bodies, creating body dysmorphia issues. In addition, some individuals might start believing that casual sex is acceptable behavior since they see it frequently on TV shows, which leads to promiscuous attitudes and irresponsible decisions.
There are positive aspects of media portrayals of sex that help shape healthy views about relationships and intimacy. The prevalence of romance stories has helped normalize love and commitment while providing ideas for spicing up one's relationship. Moreover, many celebrities are openly vocal about their sexual experiences, promoting communication between couples regarding boundaries, likes, and dislikes. By sharing stories of their personal lives, famous people provide relatable content that helps others understand their own feelings better.
These benefits are negated by the fact that most celebrity relationships end in divorce, making them seem like an illusionary goal rather than reality.
Mass media plays a critical role in shaping personal sexual expectations, but it does not always paint an accurate picture. While some media outlets present realistic depictions of sex, others overemphasize its importance or create unattainable standards that lead to emotional turmoil. It is essential to maintain balance when consuming media so that one can distinguish between realistic and idealistic portrayals, leading to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
To what extent do media portrayals of sex distort personal sexual expectations?
The level of influence that media has on individuals' perceptions of sexuality is debatable; however, research shows that exposure to various media platforms can impact individuals' expectations of sex. Media often portrays an idealized version of sex that may not be representative of reality. This can lead to unrealistic expectations, which can negatively affect individuals' satisfaction levels during intimacy with their partners.