Research has shown that media representations have an impact on people's perceptions of what constitutes acceptable sexual behavior and desires, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment in real-life experiences. In this essay, we will explore how media representation affects people's sexual self-concept and how it shapes their attitudes toward sex. We'll examine how these representations are created, who they serve, and why they matter for adults.
Media Representation in Sexual Self-Concept
Media representation is the portrayal of human beings, actions, behaviors, and events in various forms such as film, television shows, music videos, magazines, books, newspapers, social media platforms, and advertisements. These representations have a profound influence on individuals' attitudes towards sex, intimacy, relationships, and body image, which can lead to changes in their personal sexual expectations and self-concept. The representation of certain sexual acts, practices, or lifestyles may influence people to want to try them out, or might make them feel pressured into trying new things against their own preferences. This can result in feelings of inadequacy, shame, guilt, or embarrassment about one's sexuality and desire.
One study found that exposure to pornography was associated with higher levels of acceptance of casual sex, more permissive attitudes towards infidelity, and greater likelihood of engaging in casual sex among both men and women. Another study showed that watching pornographic content influenced viewers' beliefs about what constitutes normal sexual behavior, leading to a shift in attitudes and expectations regarding non-consensual sexual activity. Such effects were particularly strong among young adults who had not previously been exposed to similar material. Research has also shown that exposure to explicit images of female bodies in the media can lead to increased objectification of women, which could have detrimental consequences for both mental health and interpersonal relationships.
Representation Creators
Media representations are created by producers, directors, actors, writers, and other professionals responsible for creating content aimed at diverse audiences across different demographics. These creators strive to create appealing content that is likely to resonate with their target audience, which often includes advertisers and sponsors who may have commercial interests in influencing consumer choices. They may intentionally or unintentionally portray stereotypes, cultural norms, ideologies, or biases to appeal to specific markets.
Advertising campaigns promoting feminine hygiene products often feature thin, white, able-bodied, and conventionally attractive models wearing revealing clothing to showcase their body parts, thus perpetuating gender stereotypes about beauty standards and objectifying women's bodies. Similarly, gay representation in mainstream media tends to focus on more masculine-presenting characters while erasing queer communities outside the cisgender binary.
Some critics argue that such depictions serve a vital purpose by providing entertainment or educating viewers about different lifestyles and cultures. By presenting diverse perspectives, producers and creators hope to encourage open dialogue and acceptance between individuals from different backgrounds and belief systems. Still, it remains unclear whether these effects outweigh potential negative impacts on sexual self-concept or not.
Personal Sexual Expectations
Personal expectations regarding sex can vary significantly based on individual experiences, preferences, beliefs, values, and relationships.
Research suggests that media representations play an important role in shaping these expectations and influencing how people perceive themselves as sexual beings. Individuals exposed to media content featuring certain types of behavior may feel pressured into replicating them or risk being seen as deviant or abnormal compared to social norms. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, or even fear of rejection if they do not meet these unrealistic expectations. As a result, many individuals resort to hiding their true selves or altering their behaviors to conform to societal standards, which could have damaging consequences for mental health and interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, individuals who feel comfortable with their identity and sexuality may find solace in media representations that reflect their own interests and desires.
Media representation has far-reaching implications for adults' sexual self-concept and personal expectations. These representations influence attitudes toward sex, intimacy, and body image and contribute to unrealistic expectations that can negatively affect one's well-being. While some argue that media representations serve a valuable purpose by providing entertainment or educational value, others point to the potential harms of objectification, stereotyping, and homogenization. Adults should strive to critically evaluate media content while maintaining open dialogue about their sexual identities and desires to create safe and fulfilling experiences.
How do adults interpret the influence of media representations on their personal sexual expectations and self-concept?
Adults often form sexual expectations about themselves based on the images they see in various types of media. These include advertisements, television shows, movies, music videos, magazines, social media platforms, and even video games. The media play an important role in shaping people's perception of what is considered attractive, sexy, and desirable when it comes to sex and relationships.