A recent study conducted by the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) highlights a shift in the preferences of young people aged 13-24 when it comes to content in television and movies.
The “Teens and Screens” report emphasizes that over half of adolescents surveyed, approximately 51.5%, express a desire for more content that depicts friendships and platonic relationships. Furthermore, the study indicates that young audiences, often referred to as “Gen Z,” are looking for a reduction in sexual content in media.
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The survey involved 1,500 young participants, with 100 from each age bracket between 10-24, and focused on topics related to sex, romance, and relationships. A significant finding was that 44.3% of the surveyed youth felt that “romance in media is overused,” indicating a desire for more diverse storytelling. Additionally, about 39% of respondents expressed a wish to see more representation of aromantic and asexual characters, challenging conventional portrayals of relationships. Here are some key findings:
Here are some key findings from the study:
- Desire for More Platonic Relationships: Over 51% of adolescents would like to see more content depicting friendships and platonic relationships.
- Overused Romance: Around 44.3% of young people felt that “romance in media is overused.”
- Aromantic and Asexual Representation: Nearly 39% of respondents expressed the desire to see more depictions of aromantic and asexual characters in media.
- Sex Is Not Necessary: Approximately 47.5% of participants reported that sex is not necessary for the majority of TV show and movie plots.
Interestingly, 47.5% of participants reported that sexual content is not essential for the majority of TV show and movie plots, suggesting a growing appetite for narrative diversity among young viewers. The study is reflective of a broader shift in preferences, where young people are seeking more authentic and relatable portrayals of relationships in the media.
REELated:
In line with these findings, the study suggests that young audiences are increasingly looking to de-center sex and romance in storytelling. Many participants expressed a desire for the portrayal of platonic relationships, as well as a move away from traditional relationship stereotypes frequently depicted on screen.
The report’s co-author and the founder and director of the Center for Scholars and Storytellers, Yalda T. Uhls, highlighted the need for the industry to recognize that young people are interested in stories that reflect the full spectrum of relationships. She also noted that recent studies indicate young people are having less sex compared to previous generations and often prefer to remain single.
Key takeaways from the “Teens and Screens” report include a preference for original content over franchises and remakes among 56% of adolescents aged 10-24. Additionally, twice as many young people favor binge-watching releases over weekly episodes.
While last year’s respondents wished to see “lives unlike their own” depicted on screen, this year’s participants expressed a preference for “lives like their own.” The study also revealed that a White man is the most favored choice for a hero in an episode or movie, marking a shift from last year’s preference for a Black male hero. Respondents highly valued authenticity, with MrBeast ranking as the #1 most authentic media personality in the survey. Among other findings:
- 56% of adolescents aged 10-24 prefer original content over franchises and remakes.
- Twice as many young people prefer binge-watching releases over weekly episodes.
- Adolescents want to see lives similar to their own depicted on screen, marking a shift from last year’s preference for “lives unlike their own.”
- The most common choice for a hero in a movie or TV show is a White man, whereas last year’s respondents favored a Black man as the hero.
- Respondents highly value authenticity, with MrBeast ranking as the #1 most authentic media personality in the survey.
The recent study has gained significance in light of a recent debate on social media sparked by the streaming of Jennifer Lawrence’s hit comedy, No Hard Feelings, which was in theaters earlier this year and now streaming on Netflix. The debate focused on the necessity of a nude scene involving the Oscar-winning actress.
Lawrence’s comedy generated heated discussions on various social media platforms. It raised questions about the inclusion of a nude scene in the film and its relevance to the plot, leading to divided opinions among viewers.
The findings from the “Teens and Screens” report provide valuable insights into the evolving preferences of young viewers. They signal a desire for more diverse, authentic, and relatable storytelling that accurately reflects the spectrum of relationships in contemporary society.
Read the entire study below:
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