The increasing prevalence of digital technology has led to an unprecedented level of accessibility to various forms of media including text, images, videos, and audio. Social media platforms have provided an ideal platform for sharing such multimedia content that can be easily accessed from any part of the world. These online spaces also present an opportunity for people to connect with others who share similar interests and aspirations.
Social media users are exposed to more than just the positive aspects of technology but also its negative side effects. One major problem is the widespread availability of pornography, which may negatively influence the way individuals perceive themselves, their partner(s), and their relationships. This paper explores whether prolonged exposure to sexualized social media content leads to internalized unrealistic sexual standards and influences self-esteem, relational expectations, and body image perception.
Sexuality is an essential aspect of human life that involves physical intimacy between individuals. While sexual desires vary among different individuals, there is no denying that sex is a crucial aspect of many romantic relationships. Therefore, it is natural for most humans to seek out sexual experiences in some form or another, either as a primary activity or a means to deepen emotional connections with partners.
Individuals develop specific preferences based on their personal values, beliefs, and past experiences. Sexual standards refer to these preferences, which could involve specific positions, body parts, acts, duration, frequency, or other factors.
Exposure to sexualized content has been shown to affect both men and women differently regarding the type of messages they receive.
Female viewers tend to experience reduced satisfaction when watching porn compared to male viewers (Rubinstein, et al., 2016). In addition, the exposure to such content can lead to anxiety related to body image, sexual functioning, and overall relationship quality (Lange & Holman, 2017). Similarly, males may find it challenging to match up to the sexual performance portrayed by the actors in pornographic materials (Maddox, 2020). Some studies have also found that exposure to pornography increases the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior, including having multiple partners or unprotected sex (Kendall-Taylor & Halpern-Meekin, 2014).
Online spaces like social media provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and aspirations.
This accessibility comes at a cost because it exposes them to more than just the positive aspects of technology but also its negative side effects. One major problem is the widespread availability of pornography, which may negatively influence how people perceive themselves, their partner(s), and their relationships. While most individuals recognize porn as entertainment only, prolonged exposure to these images can impact how they feel about their physical appearance and abilities. It can be difficult for some to meet the expectations set forth by the models portrayed in pornographic materials, leading to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem.
Prolonged exposure to sexualized content on social media may also influence relational expectations, especially when it involves intimacy issues. Many individuals believe that real-life relationships should emulate what they see in pornographic material regarding frequency, duration, intensity, position, and other factors. This can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction when reality does not align with expectations.
Men may feel pressured to perform particular acts in bed based on what they've seen online, while women might find themselves judged if they are unable to meet those expectations (Maddox, 2020). These situations create tension between partners, making it challenging to maintain healthy relationships over time.
The sexual messages conveyed through social media can affect body image perception and satisfaction. Individuals who spend too much time viewing sexually explicit images or videos tend to compare themselves unfavorably with the actors in such materials. They may develop a distorted perception of beauty standards, believing that certain physical features are more desirable than others (Hald & Malamuth, 2008).
This can cause them to become dissatisfied with their own bodies, leading to negative emotions like shame, embarrassment, and anxiety. Social media platforms also offer tools that allow users to alter photos and videos before posting them online, which may reinforce these unrealistic ideals (Sorokowski et al., 2016).
Prolonged exposure to sexualized social media content can lead to internalized unrealistic sexual standards and influence self-esteem, relational expectations, and body image perception. Therefore, individuals should be cautious about how much time they spend viewing such material because it could have long-term effects on their mental and emotional wellbeing. To avoid these effects, people should seek out other sources of entertainment, engage in positive communication with friends and family members, and practice mindfulness exercises to increase body positivity.
Can prolonged exposure to sexualized social media content lead to internalized unrealistic sexual standards and influence self-esteem, relational expectations, and body image perception?
Yes, prolonged exposure to sexually explicit content on social media can negatively impact individuals' self-esteem, relational expectations, and body image. Research has shown that viewing media messages that idealize thin bodies and promiscuous behavior can increase body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem (Huang et al. , 2019).