Sexualization in Social Media
The digital age has brought about numerous changes in our lives. We can access all kinds of information just from one device. Adolescents are no exception to this phenomenon. They have become accustomed to using their devices daily for many purposes, including browsing through various types of social media platforms. In addition to information sharing, entertainment, communication, and online gaming, social media platforms also expose adolescents to sexualized content such as images, videos, and posts. Sexualization in social media can shape adolescent attitudes, curiosity, and identity development regarding sexuality. This article explains how this happens and its implications for society.
Social media is defined as an interactive computer-mediated technology that facilitates social networks and interactions among users. It enables people to communicate with others via messages and share information and experiences. Adolescents use social media to explore and expand their social circles. They also interact with other users' posts, comments, and pictures. These may contain sexualized content. According to a study conducted in 2018, most teenagers aged between 13 and 17 years used multiple social media platforms, including Instagram (72%), Snapchat (69%), YouTube (55%), Facebook (45%) and Twitter (32%).
Causes of Sexualization
There are several reasons why sexualized content is present on social media platforms. First, there are many ways of accessing these platforms. The internet is accessible anywhere and anytime, so even young children and adolescents can access it unsupervised. Secondly, the internet allows people to hide their identities by creating anonymous accounts. Such accounts enable them to post and comment freely without fear of exposure. Thirdly, social media platforms lack stringent regulations or monitoring systems, leaving much of the content open to public scrutiny.
Adults who own accounts influence the posting of sexually explicit content. There are no age restrictions on posting such content on social media. As a result, minors can see and imitate what they view online. Lastly, some celebrities have been known to post sexually suggestive images and videos to promote themselves. Adolescents may copy their actions in an attempt to become famous too.
Impacts of Sexualization
Sexualized content in social media has both positive and negative impacts on adolescent attitudes towards sex and identity development. The positives include increased awareness about sex as well as self-expression.
When adolescents see that other teens their age are engaging in sexually suggestive acts online, they feel free to express themselves similarly. Some may also learn new things about sexuality from others. Positive impacts include feeling more confident and comfortable with their bodies.
Adolescents may also be influenced negatively by the sexualized content. They might develop a distorted perception of sexuality due to the portrayal of exaggerated body types or behaviors online. In addition, this type of content may expose them to unrealistic expectations regarding what is considered normal for their age group. It may also encourage risky behavior like experimenting with different sexual practices they view online.
Exposure to sexualized social media content shapes adolescent attitudes and curiosity toward sex. This happens because of its accessibility, the absence of strict regulations, and the influence of adults who post provocative content. There are both positive and negative effects of sexualized content on adolescents' identity development. While it helps them understand their feelings better, they can get overwhelmed or confused by the information they receive. Parents, guardians, teachers, and schools must work together to curb these effects by monitoring adolescents' internet use and providing appropriate guidance.
How does exposure to sexualized social media content shape adolescent sexual attitudes, curiosity, and identity development?
Exposure to sexualized social media content can influence adolescents' perception of sexuality and their sexual identities by normalizing various behaviors, such as early initiation into sex and promiscuity. This is because adolescence is a critical period when they form their sexual identities and are more susceptible to external influences.