The modern society is highly influenced by mass media which often exposes people to various types of entertainment, including movies, television shows, magazines, advertisements, music videos, video games, social networks, and many others. Sexualized media includes all kinds of entertainment that feature images and messages related to sex, sexuality, and gender.
One particular group that can be negatively affected by this kind of content are adolescents who are still developing their moral reasoning and relational expectations towards romantic partnerships. Therefore, it is important to understand how exposure to sexualized media impacts these aspects of an individual's life.
Sexualization involves the presentation of men and women in a way that emphasizes physical attractiveness rather than personality traits, values, or character. This means that such type of media often presents unrealistic standards of beauty, making it difficult for teenagers to identify themselves as beautiful or worthy when compared to what they see on screen. Moreover, this can also lead to unrealistic expectations regarding relationships between genders since most sexualized media present relationships as only involving sexual activity without considering other forms of intimacy. In turn, this can lead to negative self-perception, low self-esteem, and increased risk-taking behaviors such as casual dating or sexual promiscuity.
Sexualized media may normalize disrespectful attitudes toward women or promote violence against them. These factors can have long-term effects on an individual's personal development and decision-making process, which may result in less healthy relationships later in life.
Peer norms play an important role in shaping an adolescent's moral reasoning, expectations, and perception. Adolescence is a time when individuals start exploring their own identity and forming opinions about various topics, including sexuality and gender roles. Peer pressure can influence young people to adopt certain beliefs or behaviors that might not necessarily be in line with their own morals or values.
Some peers might encourage casual sex or hookups, while others might pressure girls to dress more revealing or boys to act like "manly men." Such behavioral patterns are common among adolescents who have been exposed to sexualized media because they believe that these are the norms in society. This creates problems for both males and females, causing issues such as bullying, harassment, and even abuse.
Exposure to sexualized media and peer norms can greatly influence adolescents' moral reasoning, relational expectations, and self-perception. It is important to provide teenagers with alternative sources of entertainment and education that promote positive messages regarding intimacy, respect, and equality between genders. Parents should also talk to their children about the impact of media on their lives and help them develop critical thinking skills that allow them to evaluate information objectively.
This will ensure that adolescents grow up into healthy adults capable of making well-informed decisions based on their own values and principles rather than those promoted by mass media.
How does exposure to sexualized media and peer norms influence adolescents' moral reasoning, relational expectations, and self-perception?
In a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, it was found that adolescence is a critical period for developing their morals, emotions, and views on relationships. During this stage, they are highly influenced by their surroundings and environment which can include various forms of media such as television shows, movies, music videos, and social media.