Sexualized media content refers to media that portrays sexual activities such as touching, kissing, intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, etc., without a clear consent from the participants. This type of media has become increasingly popular among adolescents who spend significant amounts of time consuming entertainment media. While some studies suggest that sexualized media can improve communication about sex between partners, others claim it may lead to unrealistic expectations and pressure for teenagers to engage in similar behaviors. Consent is when both parties agree to participate in an activity, while agency is the ability to make informed decisions regarding one's own body and sexual behavior.
One study found that exposure to sexualized media led to more permissive attitudes towards casual sex and lower levels of perceived control over sexual decision-making. Another study reported that sexualized media use was positively associated with acceptance of sexual coercion and forced sex. These findings suggest that sexualized media could influence adolescent perceptions of consent and agency by normalizing non-consensual sex acts and promoting the idea that women should be submissive during intimacy.
Research shows that watching pornography frequently increases negative beliefs about gender roles and relationships, which may affect how individuals view their own sexual interactions.
Not all studies support these conclusions. Some argue that sexualized media can actually promote healthy conversations about consent and boundaries between adolescents.
Researchers found that discussing sexualized media content with friends increased understanding of what constitutes consent and reduced acceptance of risky sexual behaviors.
Some experts believe that media literacy education can help adolescents interpret sexualized content in a more nuanced way and recognize when it doesn't reflect real-life scenarios.
Further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between sexualized media content and adolescent perceptions of consent and agency.
Parents and educators should remain vigilant about monitoring teenagers' exposure to this type of material and encourage open communication about it.
In what ways does sexualized media content influence adolescents' perceptions of consent and agency?
Adolescence is an age of transition from childhood into adulthood wherein individuals experience rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that prepare them for independence and adulthood. During this period, adolescents are highly impressionable, and their behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values are heavily influenced by external factors such as their family, peers, school, and the media (Haugland & Skarstein, 2015).