Sexualized media has become increasingly prevalent in our modern society, with an estimated 97% of children and teenagers now regularly exposed to it. This media can include movies, television shows, music videos, video games, social media, advertisements, magazines, and more. While these forms of entertainment are often seen as harmless, they have been shown to have negative impacts on how young people view themselves and their sexuality. As a result, exposure to sexualized media reshapes sexual expectations and self-image for both males and females alike.
Let's discuss what constitutes sexualized media. Sexualization is the process whereby a person is depicted as a sexual object or characterized in terms of physical attributes associated with sexual activity. In other words, when someone is portrayed in a way that emphasizes their body parts or sexual behavior, they are being sexually objectified. Examples of this include scantily clad women in magazines, suggestive dance moves in music videos, and even the way actors flirt with each other on TV.
Sexualized media can influence how individuals perceive their own bodies by presenting unrealistic standards of beauty and attractiveness.
Many female characters in films and television shows are thin, tall, and heavily made up, while male characters tend to be muscular and athletic. This can lead to feelings of body dysmorphia and low self-esteem among those who do not meet these standards.
Sexualized media may promote dangerous attitudes about sexual relationships, such as the idea that women should always be available for men's pleasure or that only certain types of relationships are acceptable.
Exposure to sexualized media has been linked to increased rates of sexual violence and assault. Studies have found that individuals who consume more sexualized media are more likely to perpetrate acts of aggression against others, including rape, harassment, and stalking. They may also develop unhealthy ideas about what constitutes consent, leading them to believe that certain actions are okay without explicit permission from their partner.
There is no doubt that exposure to sexualized media reshapes sexual expectations and self-image. It can harm both males and females by promoting unattainable ideals, increasing rates of violence, and creating unrealistic expectations for intimate relationships. Parents, educators, and policymakers need to take action to reduce young people's exposure to this type of material and provide alternative forms of entertainment that promote healthy attitudes toward sex and intimacy.
How does exposure to sexualized media reshape sexual expectations and self-image?
Media plays an important role in shaping our attitudes towards sex, intimacy, and relationships. Through various channels such as TV, movies, music, video games, and the internet, we are exposed to different images of idealized and stereotypical representations of gender roles, body types, desires, behaviors, preferences, etc. Exposure to these representations can lead to changes in individuals' perceptions of what constitutes appropriate sexual behavior or appearance.