Sociocultural

Dimension
Media and
Sexuality
The relationship between sexuality and the media is a
complicated and different subject. The media has a big
impact on how society views sexuality and shapes
attitudes, conventions, and beliefs about it. Media
channels, ranging from music and film to advertising
and online information, frequently depict and impact
people's perceptions of their own and other people's
sexuality.
Cultural, societal, and political factors have shaped media
representation of sexuality in the past. These images may be
a reflection of common beliefs, levels of power, and gender,
sexual orientation, and identity stereotypes. For instance,
women and LGBTQ+ people have frequently been portrayed
in the media in a stereotyped, objectifying, or constrained
manner.
The intersection of media and sexuality is intricate
and diverse. Media, including advertising, film,
television, music, and online content, heavily
influences societal perceptions and norms about
sexuality. These platforms shape how individuals
view their own sexuality and that of others,
contributing to the complex view of sexual attitudes
and behaviors.
Advertising: Advertisements often use sexual
imagery to sell products, which can reinforce
certain beauty standards and ideas about
sexuality. For instance, perfume ads frequently
feature sensual imagery and suggestiveness to
associate their product with allure and
desirability.
Film & Television: A wide range of sexualities,
from love partnerships to sexual encounters, are
regularly portrayed in films and TV series. The
depictions of intimacy, gender roles, and sexual
behavior can be realistic or idealized, and they
have the power to influence the opinions of
viewers. For instance, heterosexual couples are
frequently portrayed in romantic comedies in a
way that upholds conventional gender standards
and relationship dynamics.
Titanic
1997
Music: Lyrics in songs often contain themes related to love,
desire, and sexual attraction. Music videos accompanying
these songs may feature provocative imagery and
choreography that convey messages about sexuality and
relationships. For instance, some hip-hop and pop music
videos showcase scantily clad dancers and suggestive scenes
to appeal to viewers' desires.
Music: Crazy In Love
Music: Love me like you Do
Online
Content:
A variety of sexuality-related content can be found on social
media sites, dating apps, and pornographic websites. In
addition to talks about relationships and sexual health, users
can access adult literature, pornography, and educational
materials. The accessibility and use of sexual information
online, however, can also give rise to worries about how it may
affect people's conceptions of relationships and sexuality.
Overall, the relationship between media and
sexuality is dynamic and evolving, influenced
by technological advancements, cultural
shifts, and ongoing
A variety debates about content can be found on social
of sexuality-related
representation, regulation,
media sites, andand
dating apps, ethics.
pornographic websites. In
Understanding this
addition to relationship
talks requiresand sexual health, users
about relationships
critical can
analysis
access and recognition
adult of the
literature, pornography, and educational
diversematerials.
ways in which media shapes
The accessibility andof sexual information
and use
reflectsonline,
our perceptions
however, can ofalso
sexuality.
give rise to worries about how it may
affect people's conceptions of relationships and sexuality.
 A variety of sexuality-related content can be found on social
media sites, dating apps, and pornographic websites. In
addition to talks about relationships and sexual health, users
can access adult literature, pornography, and educational
materials. The accessibility and use of sexual information
online, however, can also give rise to worries about how it may
affect people's conceptions of relationships and sexuality.
resentation of men and women In
ion and beauty industries
A variety of sexuality-related content can be found on social
media sites, dating apps, and pornographic websites. In
addition to talks about relationships and sexual health, users
can access adult literature, pornography, and educational
epresentations of men and women
materials. in the
The accessibility and use of sexual information
on and beauty industriesonline,
havehowever,
evolved canover
also give rise to worries about how it may
affect
but historically, they have people's
often conceptions of relationships and sexuality.
perpetuated
er stereotypes and unrealistic standards of
y. Women have typically been portrayed as
young, and flawless, while men have been
ted as muscular, rugged, and confident.
ver, there has been a growing push for
sity and inclusivity in recent years, with
ments advocating for more realistic and
se representations of all genders in fashion
eauty campaigns
Sex education and
prevention and
awareness campaign

• Sex education is high quality teaching and

learning about a broad variety
of topics related to sex and sexuality.
• It explores values and beliefs about those
topics and helps people
gain the skills that are needed to navigate
relationship with self,
partners, community and manage ones own
sexual health.
Benefits of sex education and
prevention and awareness
campaign

• Providing individual with accurate information

and a safe space to learn.
• Understand their body, gender identity, and
sexuality.
• Increasing awareness about the use of
condoms and other contraceptives.
• Creates awareness about safe sexual practices.
• Helps preventing sexually transmitted
infections, including HIV/AIDS.
• Build and maintain healthy and safe
relationship.
B. Social consequences of
messages in the media

• Performance anxiety
• Pornography
• Hyper sexualization
II) SIGNIFICANT PERSONS WITH
REGARD TO SEXUALITY
A. Identification of significant
persons and their influence

Understanding and embracing one's sexuality

involves significant individuals like sexual
partners, spouses, family, and peers.
Each of these individuals plays a distinct role
in shaping sexual development, attitudes, and
experiences.
Recognizing their influence is crucial for
managing one's sexuality effectively.
Acknowledging their impact can lead to
healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
 Types of significant persons

Family refers to
a group of
people who are
related by blood,
marriage, or
adoption and
who live together
or are closely
connected.
 Types of significant persons

Parents: They are the primary

caregivers and decision-
makers, responsible for
providing love, support, and
guidance to their children.

Children: They are the

focus of care and
attention, representing
the future of the family.
Types of significant persons

Grandparents: They often

provide wisdom, experience,
and support, contributing to
the family's stability and
traditions.

Siblings: They share a

unique bond and often
provide companionship,
support, and camaraderie
throughout life.
Types of significant
persons
Extended family members: These can
include aunts, uncles, cousins, and others who
play supportive roles and contribute to the
family's dynamics and traditions.
 Types of significant
persons
Peer groups are made up of a
variety of important people who
individually add to the dynamics and
support of the group.
 Types of significant
persons
1. Friends: They provide
companionship, understanding, and
shared experiences, fostering social
bonds and emotional support.

2. Mentors: These are

individuals who offer guidance,
advice, and wisdom based on
their experiences, helping peers
navigate challenges and achieve
personal growth.
 Types of significant
persons

Role models: They inspire others

through their behaviour, achievements,
and values, serving
 Types of significant
persons
A spouse is a term
used to refer to a
person's husband
or wife, especially
in relation to their
marital status.
 Types of significant
persons
1. Co-parent: If the couple has
children, each spouse becomes
a co-parent, sharing the
responsibilities and joys of
raising and nurturing the next
generation.

Partner: The spouse is a life

partner, collaborating on
important decisions, sharing
household responsibilities,
and working together
towards shared goals and
aspirations.
 Types of significant
persons
Lover: A spouse serves as the lover in a
marriage, offering emotional and physical
closeness, romance, and intimacy. Intimacy
and physical affection are vital components
of a married relationship.
 Types of significant
persons

Sexual partner: The individual

with whom one shares intimate
and sexual experiences, fostering
physical connection, pleasure, and
mutual satisfaction.
Types of significant
persons
1.Romantic Partner:
Someone with whom
there's a strong
emotional connection
and romantic
involvement, beyond
just physical
attraction.

2.Casual Partner: A more

temporary or non-
committal arrangement
focused primarily on
physical pleasure without a
deep emotional
connection or
commitment.
 Types of significant
persons

3.Friend with Benefits: A friend

with whom there's a mutual
agreement to engage in sexual
activities without romantic
involvement or commitment.

4.Open Relationship Partner:

In a consensually non-monogamous
relationship where both partners
agree to have sexual relations with
others while maintaining their
primary relationship.
Strategies to deal with pressure
and other significant persons

Navigating societal
pressures regarding
sexuality can be difficult
due to societal norms
dictating how individuals
perceive and express
themselves.
 Strategies to deal with pressure
and other significant persons
Interpersonal interactions
significantly influence
one's sense of identity
and overall well-being,
impacting relationships
with spouses, friends,
and family.
Establishing boundaries
and seeking support help
foster mutual respect and
understanding within
these relationships.
 Strategies to deal with pressure
and other significant persons
tion and Awareness: Recognizing
exuality and being knowledgeable
various sexual identities, orientations,
actices can assist people in resisting
pressure and making responsible
decisions.

ommunication: Dealing with pressure

ciated with sexuality can be made easier
aving open and honest conversations with
ners, friends, and family. Having
endable people to confide in helps lessen
ngs of confusion or loneliness.
 Strategies to deal with pressure and other
significant persons
3.Setting Boundaries: To guarantee
that one's wants and desires are
honored in sexual interactions, it is
essential to set limits and establish
one's individuality. Saying no to
things or circumstances that make one
uncomfortable and standing up for
oneself during sexual interactions are
two possible ways to do this.
.

4.Seeking Support: Seeking help from a

therapist, counselor, or support group can
be helpful if you're under a lot of
pressure or suffering difficulty linked to
your sexuality. These experts can offer
direction, affirmation, and coping
mechanisms for difficult circumstances.
 Strategies to deal with pressure and other
significant persons

5.Self-Exploration: A stronger sense of self and identity

can be developed by self- exploration and
contemplation, which enables people to withstand
outside influences that can be at odds with their
aspirations and values..
GENDER ROLES AND STEREOTYPES
GENDER ROLES AND
STEREOTYPES
1. Sociocultural representations
of male and female gender roles
and sexual stereotypes.

2. Cybersexuality
Virtual V.S Real Identity
GENDER ROLES- Gender roles in society
means how we're expected to act, speak,
dress, groom, and conduct ourselves based
upon our assigned sex.
For example, girls and women are generally
expected to dress in typically feminine ways
and be polite, accommodating, and nurturing.
2. CYBERSEXUALITY
Cybersexuality- Cybersexuality refers to the phenomenon
where individuals engage in sexual activities or interactions
through digital platforms, such as the internet or virtual reality.
It involves using technology to explore and express one’s
sexuality, often through online chat rooms, video calls, virtual
worlds, or other digital mediums. Cybersexuality can encompass
a wide range of activities, from exchanging sexual messages to
engaging in virtual sexual encounters with others.
Cybersex, also called computer sex, Internet sex, netsex, e-
sex and, colloquially, cyber or cybering, is a virtual
sex encounter in which two or more people have long distance
sex via electronic video communication (webcams, VR headsets,
etc) and other electronics connected to a computer network.
VIRTUAL VS. REAL
IDENTITY
Virtual - created by computer
technology and appearing to exist but
not existing the physical world.
Real identity- refers to the
true characteristics and
attributes of an individual in
the physical world. This
includes aspects such as legal
name, age, gender, and
physical appearance.
VIRTUAL VS. REAL IDENTITY
Ex: Online vs Offline Identity. As you can see the guy on the right looks multi talented and
may portray that on a daily basis he is skateboarding and playing guitar, but the reality is
he is just sitting on his couch on a regular basis eating chips.
1. ABUSERS IN CYBERSEXUALITY: VIRTUAL VS. REAL IDENTITY
Virtual Identity
-May influence abusive behavior in
several ways.
-For example, anonymity and distance
from the victim may make it easier for
abusers to engage in harmful behaviors
without fear of consequences.
Additionally, virtual identity may allow
abusers to create a persona that is more
dominant or aggressive than their
offline personality.
Both
-An individual’s virtual identity
may influence their real-world
Real Identity
behavior, just as their real-world
-May influence abusive behavior through
experiences and characteristics
factors such as power dynamics, social
may shape their virtual identity.
norms, and personal characteristics.
-For example, an individual who
-For example, individuals with a history
engages in abusive behaviors
of offline sexual abuse or violence may
online may be more likely to
be more likely to engage in abusive
engage in similar behaviors
behaviors online.
offline. Conversely, an
individual who experiences
abuse offline may be more
vulnerable to abuse online.
1. ABUSERS IN CYBERSEXUALITY: VIRTUAL VS. REAL IDENTITY
2. FALSE IDENTITY IN CYBERSEXUALITY: VIRTUAL V.S
REAL LIFE
Cybersexuality, or online sexual activities, often involves the creation of
virtual identities. These identities can be entirely fictional and unrelated to
the individual’s real-life identity. However, the anonymity provided by the
internet can lead some individuals to adopt false identities for malicious
purposes, such as exploitation, deception, or harm (Cooper, Delmonico, &
Burg, 2000).
Examples of false identities in this context could include:
 Pretending to be of a different gender or age in virtual
spaces.
 Using someone else's photos or personal information to
construct a fake online persona.
 Presenting oneself as single and available for cybersexual
activities while being in a committed real-life relationship.
 Concealing one's real identity to explore sexual fantasies or
desires anonymously online.
2. FALSE IDENTITY IN CYBERSEXUALITY: VIRTUAL V.S
REAL LIFE The Harmful Effects of False Identities in Cybersexuality
 The use of false identities in cybersexuality
can have serious consequences for both
individuals and society as a whole. For
example, the creation of false identities can
contribute to the objectification of others and
perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Additionally,
the use of false identities can lead to feelings
of mistrust and suspicion in online communities,
making it more difficult for individuals to form
genuine connections and relationships (Cooper
et al., 2000).
 3. DISAPPOINTMENT IN CYBERSEXUALITY:
VIRTUAL VS. REAL IDENTITY
When individuals decide to meet in person after forming a connection
in the virtual world, there is a potential for disappointment if the real
identity of the person does not align with the virtual persona they
have created.
Virtual Identity vs. Real Identity
 In the realm of cybersexuality, individuals have the freedom to craft their virtual
identities in ways that may differ from their actual selves. This can lead to
discrepancies between the expectations formed based on the virtual persona and
the reality of meeting the person in real life. Factors such as age, physical
appearance, personality traits, and even gender may not match up with what was
portrayed online.
 3. DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN MEETING IN REALITY
The experience of disappointment when meeting
someone in reality after engaging in cybersexuality
can be profound. The disparity between the idealized
image created through online interactions and the
actual person can lead to feelings of betrayal,
disillusionment, and emotional distress. This
discrepancy can shatter the fantasy that was built in
the virtual space and result in a sense of loss or
deception.
Impact on Relationships
 The mismatch between virtual and real identities in
cybersexuality can have significant implications for relationships.
Trust may be compromised when individuals realize that the
person they connected with online is not who they claimed to be.
This breach of trust can undermine the foundation of the
relationship and lead to feelings of hurt, anger, and confusion.
However, media can also serve as a platform for
challenging norms and advocating for sexual
diversity, inclusivity, and education. Through diverse
representations, storytelling, and advocacy efforts,
media can promote a more nuanced understanding
of sexuality and contribute to social change.
 Summary
The media plays a crucial role in shaping how society views and understands
sexuality. It often presents certain norms, behaviors, and expectations regarding
sexuality through various forms of entertainment, advertising, and news coverage.
These portrayals can influence individuals' perceptions of themselves and others, as
well as shape societal attitudes towards different aspects of sexuality.

Understanding and respecting individuals' sexuality is essential for their well-being

and Independence. Each person's sexuality is a basic aspect of their identity,
nclusive their sexual orientation, desires, behaviors, and relationships. Creating a
supportive and complete environment where individuals feel safe to express their
sexuality without fear of discrimination or shame is crucial for promoting their overall
health and happiness.

Gender roles are societal expectations and norms that dictate how individuals should
behave, think, and interact based on their recognized gender. These roles often
reinforce stereotypes, which are oversimplified beliefs about the characteristics,
roles, and attributes of men and women. Challenging traditional gender roles and
stereotypes is necessary to promote gender equality and create environments where
ndividuals can freely express themselves regardless of their gender identity.

By recognizing the significance of individuals' sexuality, challenging gender roles and

stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity and equality, we can work towards building a
society where everyone's sexual identity is respected, and diversity is celebrated.