Romantic media is unrealistic
When it comes to finding and maintaining love, movies and television often paint an idealized picture that bears little resemblance to reality. These romantic stories often feature characters who meet and fall instantly in love without considering whether their personalities are compatible or whether they have anything in common besides attraction. This can lead to adolescents believing that real-life relationships should always be intense and dramatic, which may cause them to shy away from more stable and healthier partnerships.
Media encourages infatuation
Romantic movies and TV shows also often glamorize the early stages of dating when couples are still getting to know each other and experiencing new feelings. While this stage can be exciting, it's important to remember that the honeymoon phase doesn't last forever and a relationship needs to be based on more than just physical chemistry. The media does not adequately portray how long-lasting relationships require effort, communication, compromise, and mutual respect. As a result, teens may become disillusioned if they don't experience instant gratification in their own relationships.
Unhealthy expectations
In addition to creating false expectations about what relationships should look like, romantic media can also give young people unrealistic ideas about how quickly they should move forward with their partner. Movies and TV shows often show characters jumping into bed together after only a few dates, which can pressure young people to do the same even if they aren't ready. Adolescents who follow these examples may struggle to establish boundaries and build trust with a potential partner, leading to more conflict down the line.
Alternatives for healthy relationships
To counteract the effects of romanticized media, parents and educators should provide teenagers with accurate information about healthy love and relationships. This includes discussions about communication, consent, boundaries, and intimacy as well as promoting activities and events where young people can meet others outside of online dating apps. By emphasizing real-world interactions and practical skills rather than fantasy scenarios, we can help adolescents develop strong and stable partnerships instead of chasing drama and heartbreak.
Does media romanticism train adolescents to crave drama over stability in love?
Adolescence is an age where young people are beginning to explore relationships and learn about their preferences in a partner. Media romanticism plays a significant role in shaping these preferences and can create unrealistic expectations for what a healthy relationship should look like. While some elements of drama may be desirable in a relationship, such as excitement and passion, it's important for adolescents to understand that stability and communication are also essential components of a healthy partnership.