Sexuality is an important aspect of human life. It plays a major role in many aspects of one's development, from physical to psychological. This is particularly true during childhood and adolescence. During this stage, young people are developing their self-esteem, identity, body image, and values related to sexuality.
With the advent of social media, these aspects have become more complicated. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat, and others have made it easier for young people to connect with each other and share experiences. But they also promote certain sexual ideologies that could be detrimental to their emotional growth. Curated portrayals of sexuality on social media can affect how teens perceive themselves, their desires, and expectations about love and sex.
One way curated portrayals of sexuality on social media affect teenagers is through shaping their perception of beauty. The most common type of posts on social media involve images of women and men posing provocatively or showing intimate parts of their bodies. Many of these posts come from celebrities, influencers, and models who use these photos as marketing tools. These posts create unrealistic standards for what is considered attractive. Some young people may feel pressure to conform to these standards, which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
If they see a post that shows only slim, tanned, and muscular individuals, they might feel bad about themselves if they don't meet those criteria. They may also start comparing themselves to others and feeling inadequate. This can harm their self-esteem and make them believe that they are not good enough.
Another way curated portrayals of sexuality on social media affect adolescents is by creating false ideas about relationships. Teens learn about relationships primarily from the media, including movies, TV shows, books, magazines, and now social media. Social media depicts idealized versions of romantic relationships that rarely exist in real life. These posts often show perfect couples with perfect lives, which can be very different from reality. This can lead to unrealistic expectations about relationships.
Some teens may think that all relationships should be like those shown on social media, where there's no fighting, disagreements, or jealousy. But this is not how relationships work; it takes effort, communication, and compromise to maintain a healthy relationship.
Curated portrayals of sexuality on social media can also impact teenagers' emotional development.
Many sexual fantasies involve intimate acts and behaviors that are not realistic or safe. Posts depicting such things can desensitize young people to what is acceptable and normal. This can lead to confusion and anxiety about sex and love. It can also create misconceptions about what constitutes an intimate experience. Some posts can even promote unsafe practices, such as BDSM or bondage, without explaining the risks involved.
Curated portrayals of sexuality on social media have both positive and negative effects on adolescent development. They can shape self-image, create unrealistic expectations for relationships, and confuse teens about what constitutes a healthy relationship.
They can also educate young people on topics related to sexuality, help them find their identity, and connect with others who share similar interests. Parents and teachers need to talk to teens about these issues and teach them to navigate social media safely.
Platforms need to take responsibility for creating more inclusive and realistic representations of sex and intimacy on their sites.
How do curated portrayals of sexuality on social media affect adolescent sexual fantasies, emotional development, and expectations of intimacy?
In recent years, the rise of social media has led to a dramatic increase in curated portrayals of sexuality. These images can have a significant impact on adolescent sexual fantasies, emotional development, and expectations of intimacy. On one hand, exposure to these curated portrayals may normalize certain behaviors and help young people feel more confident about their bodies and desires.