Adolescent development is a time of great change for individuals, both physically and psychologically. This can be seen in their approach to romantic relationships, which often begin during this phase of life.
It has been argued that the way in which adolescents form these romantic relationships may be influenced by the media they consume, specifically through the ideals presented in online spaces such as social media platforms and dating apps. This phenomenon is known as "idealized masculinity" and "idealized femininity," and it refers to the presentation of gender roles and norms that are often unrealistic or exaggerated. In recent years, there has been growing concern among scholars about how these online ideals impact the expectations of young people regarding what constitutes healthy romance.
One study found that exposure to idealized masculinity and femininity online can lead to a distorted view of what healthy romantic relationships should look like.
Men who see images of extremely muscular body types or women who appear to be always perfectly made up may start to believe that their partner needs to fit these standards in order for them to feel loved or desired. Similarly, women who see images of thin, curvy bodies and flawless skin may start to feel pressure to conform to these ideals. As a result, young people may enter into relationships that are not based on mutual respect, communication, and trust but rather on physical appearance or sexual attraction alone.
Another issue with idealized masculinity and femininity is that it creates an expectation that romantic partners must constantly demonstrate their love through public displays of affection (PDA). This can lead to pressure for individuals to post frequent updates about their relationship status on social media, which can create unhealthy levels of scrutiny and judgement from friends and family members.
It can put unnecessary stress on the couple themselves if they feel the need to maintain this level of PDA outside of the digital world.
While adolescence is a time of exploration and experimentation for many teens, it is important to consider the role that online spaces play in shaping their expectations of romance. Idealized masculinity and femininity have been shown to impact how individuals approach dating and relationships, leading to potentially unhealthy outcomes such as unrealistic expectations and excessive PDA. It is crucial for parents, educators, and mentors to provide guidance and support during this critical development period in order to help young people form healthy and meaningful connections with others.
How does online exposure to idealized masculinity and femininity shape adolescents' expectations of romance?
The pervasiveness of social media platforms has led to greater accessibility to different forms of idealized representations of masculine and feminine identities that are often presented as the gold standard for what is desirable and attractive in relationships. This can create unrealistic expectations among adolescents, causing them to compare themselves to these ideals and feel inadequate if they do not measure up.