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Young Americans would like to see less sex in films and series. According to a study which surveyed Zs about their desires, they would, on the contrary, like to see more friendly and platonic stories. Generally speaking, American youth find the scenarios of films and series still far too stereotypical.
For almost half of the Adolescents surveyed (47.5%), sex is not a necessary element in the plot of most films and series, according to the annual report.Teens and Screens” from the Center for Scholars and Storytellers (CSS) at the University of California. 44.3% think that the romantic side is overused in the media, both on television and on streaming platforms and social networks.
By dint of absurd and stereotypical romantic scenarios, young Americans admit to being fed up with this kind of content. More than half (51.5%) demand, on the contrary, scenarios more focused on friendship and platonic relationships. 39% even go so far as to want more aromantic and/or asexual characters on screen.
This new generation, more driven by the authenticity of content, tends to reject stereotypical heteronormative relationships and denounce the lack of diversity. “The stereotype that romantic relationships are inclusive and often feel unnatural, forced, or toxic was ranked 4th among the ten most hated stereotypes. The top stereotypes mentioned in this category are: relationships are necessary to be happy, male and female protagonists must always end up together romantically, love triangles, etc.,” the report explained.
What young people want
American teenagers would like to see more programs with positive and inspiring plots, characters who manage to overcome obstacles. They would also like these heroes to have a life similar to theirs, but they also place in their wish list characters who have a life completely different from theirs. Friendship, family, social minorities, injustice and current political and social issues are also themes requested by young people, alongside themes that already fill films and series (action scenes, fights, superheroes, dystopia…).
Content dealing with climate change, immigration and LGBTQIA+ causes are among the latest topics listed by American teenagers. A surprising finding given that Generation Z and Alpha are the most sensitive to these societal topics.
As for LGBTQIA+ adolescents, topics around the identities of the non-binary and LGBTQIA+ community come to the top of the ranking of the most popular programs, followed by content on mental health, then storylines with characters having the same life as them. “Teenagers’ top choice is to see topics that reflect their personal lives and that they can relate to (29.6%), followed by real-life topics that have an impact on society (26.5% ).Older teens (29.4%), LGBTQIA+ (33.8%), and people of color (29.4%) are most interested in seeing real-life topics that impact society”, specifies the study.
Good in his body, good in his head!
Fed up with stereotypes, especially racist ones
Another subject of irritation among American youth: racial stereotypes, particularly that of placing characters of color in the roles of villains, or characterized as such. “Specifically portraying black people as villains, criminals, or antagonists is the fifth most hated stereotype,” the report points out.
If teenagers would like to see more motivational programs, telling incredible stories about inspiring life journeys, they are at the same time questioning the myth of the “American dream”. 42.2% believe that this vision is unrealistic compared to 37.8% who still believe in it, while 20% have no opinion. Looking more closely, more adolescents of color (42.5%) no longer believe in the American dream compared to 40.1% of white adolescents.
This generation does not agree with certain myths conveyed by films and series for many years. Unrealistic scenarios that advocate that hard work pays off or that everything always goes smoothly are the second stereotype most criticized by young people.
*This report was conducted among 1,500 American adolescents aged 10 to 24, in August 2023.