A new study by the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA reveals that Gen Z viewers are increasingly calling for less sexual content in movies and TV shows.
The Teens & Screens report, which surveyed 1,500 adolescents aged 10 to 24, found that 51.5% of respondents prefer content centred on friendships and platonic relationships over romantic ones.
Nearly 47.5% of respondents believe that sex is unnecessary in most plots, while 44.3% feel that romance is overused in media.
Gen Z’s preferences reflect a growing trend away from the hypersexualization seen in popular shows like Euphoria and The Idol.
Many adolescents express dissatisfaction with media tropes that force male-female friendships into romantic outcomes.
One respondent, a 17-year-old from Georgia, criticized the lack of platonic portrayals, emphasizing the need for genuine friendships without romantic implications.
The decline in sexual activity among Gen Z also plays a significant role in these preferences.
According to a 2021 CDC study, only 30% of teens reported having had sex, down from 38% in 2019, marking the largest decline recorded.
Gen Z’s call for less sex and more diverse representation is a clear message to Hollywood: adolescents want content that reflects the realities of their lives, focusing on authentic connections rather than relying on outdated romantic clichés.
The recent shift in Gen Z’s preferences towards content centred on friendships and platonic relationships over romantic ones is a clear indication of a changing cultural landscape. The findings from the Teens & Screens report conducted by the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA shed light on a generation that is seeking more meaningful and authentic connections in the media they consume.With 51.5% of respondents expressing a preference for content that highlights friendships and platonic relationships, it is evident that Gen Z is looking for narratives that resonate with their own experiences and values. This sentiment is further reinforced by the 47.5% of respondents who believe that sex is unnecessary in most plotlines, and the 44.3% who feel that romance is overused in the media. One of the key takeaways from the report is the growing distaste for hypersexualization in popular shows and movies, such as Euphoria and The Idol. Gen Z is pushing back against the tropes that often force male-female friendships into romantic outcomes, with many adolescents expressing a desire for more genuine portrayals of platonic relationships.A 17-year-old respondent from Georgia highlighted the importance of showcasing friendships without romantic implications, underscoring the need for more diverse and authentic representations in the media. This shift in preferences is also reflected in the declining rates of sexual activity among Gen Z, with only 30% of teens reporting having had sex in a 2021 CDC study, down from 38% in 2019.The message to Hollywood is clear: Gen Z is looking for content that mirrors the realities of their lives, focusing on authentic connections and friendships that go beyond outdated romantic clichés. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for creators and storytellers to pay attention to the shifting needs and desires of their audience. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on this evolving trend.
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Source: USA Today
