A new study conducted by the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA has shed light on the changing preferences of young people in media consumption. The “Teens and Screens” study, surveying 1,500 individuals aged 10 to 24, revealed a significant shift in Gen Z’s viewing habits and desires, challenging conventional notions about romance and intimacy on screen.
According to the study, 48 percent of adolescents expressed that “sex and sexual content is not needed for the plot of most TV shows and movies.” More strikingly, 51.5 percent of respondents emphasized their preference for content focused on friendships and platonic relationships, rather than romantic entanglements. In a surprising revelation, 39 percent of participants specifically expressed the need for more representation of aromantic and asexual characters.
The findings indicate a departure from the traditional portrayal of relationships in media. Young people’s aversion to explicit content stems from a deeper issue – a pervasive sense of loneliness among adolescents. The study highlights a loneliness epidemic, aggregated by the isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Youngsters are seeking connection and belonging in unconventional places, turning to the screen as a “third place” for social interaction. They use it as a form of art where they can connect and have a sense of belonging.
Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, founder and director of CSS and co-author of the study, stated how young people are suffering an epidemic of loneliness and they’re seeking modeling in the art they consume. She emphasized on the pattern of using sex and romance as a shortcut to build connection between characters, and thereof, the lack of demand of such tropes in adolescents.
The research dispels the myth that sex sells, at least for this demographic. Unnatural, forced, or toxic romantic relationships ranked among the top 10 most disliked stereotypes among young viewers. The study also highlighted that adolescents are having less sexual activity compared to previous generations, with a growing number embracing the choice to remain single.
In response to these evolving preferences, storytellers and producers are being called upon to diversify narratives, focusing on the broad spectrum of relationships beyond romance. Gen Z is advocating for more relatable stories that emphasize platonic connections, reflecting the diverse experiences and identities of young people today.
As the entertainment industry grapples with these changing dynamics, the study signals a pivotal moment, urging creators to reconsider their approach to storytelling. Gen Z’s demand for authentic, diverse, and relatable content is reshaping the future of entertainment, emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections over sensationalism.
