Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the degree of sexualization observed in TikTok videos and to compare it with the narratives of young people about the social network. A mixed-methods research design was used combining (1) a quantitative observational study based on measuring indicators of sexualization in 648 videos published by the 12 TikTokers most followed in Spain and (2) a qualitative study with 12 in-depth interviews to TikTok users (6 male, 6 female) between 8 and 17 years old from Spain. The video analysis reveal hypersexualized behaviors in 10/12 accounts, without statistically significant gender differences. Narratives about the social network showed ambivalent ideas, considering it a fundamental space for fun and socialization while being aware of numerous risks and threats. Sexualization is described with the expression “being loose” and is recognized as an intrinsic characteristic of the network. The discourses on hypersexualization are markedly gendered, recognizing sexualization almost exclusively in women. Some young people perceive self-sexualization as a form of self-empowerment, while when they describe it in other women, it is penalized and negatively valued as a form of objectification that favors bullying. They also warn about its impact on self-esteem and mental health, especially in terms of those bodies that do not fit into body hierarchies. The climate of the network facilitates criticism and insult, the dissociation between the real and virtual self, and that public exposure increases their vulnerability. It is urgent to advance digital affective-sexual education that addresses these problems.

摘要

本研究的目的是分析在 TikTok 视频中观察到的性化程度，并将其与年轻人对该社交网络的叙述进行比较。采用了混合方法研究设计，结合了 (1) 一项定量观察研究，该研究基于衡量西班牙 12 位最受关注的 TikTok 用户发布的 648 段视频中的性化指标，以及 (2) 一项对 TikTok 用户进行 12 次深度访谈的定性研究（6 男，6 女）8 至 17 岁，来自西班牙。视频分析揭示了 10/12 帐户中的过度性行为，没有统计上显着的性别差异。关于社交网络的叙述表现出矛盾的想法，将其视为娱乐和社交的基本空间，同时意识到众多风险和威胁。性化被描述为“松散”，被认为是网络的固有特征。关于性欲亢进的论述明显带有性别色彩，几乎只承认女性的性化。一些年轻人认为自我性化是一种自我赋权的形式，而当他们在其他女性身上描述它时，它会受到惩罚并被负面评价为一种有利于欺凌的客观化形式。他们还警告它对自尊和心理健康的影响，特别是对于那些不符合身体等级制度的身体而言。网络的氛围助长了批评和侮辱、真实自我和虚拟自我之间的分离，而公开曝光增加了他们的脆弱性。迫切需要推进解决这些问题的数字情感性教育。