On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Critically discuss the impact of the media on beliefs about relationships.” This is a vital topic for Life Orientation Grade 12 Term 1, specifically under the “Development of the Self in Society” module.
Quick Answer
Media Impact on Relationships:
- Unrealistic Expectations: Rom-coms and social media “couple goals” create a false standard for perfection.
- Distorted Gender Roles: Media often reinforces outdated stereotypes about power and submission.
- Normalisation of Toxicity: Dramatised conflict in reality TV can makedetrimental relationshipsseem “passionate.”
- The Result: Increasedintrapersonal conflictand dissatisfaction with real-life partners.
The Media’s Influence on Relationship Beliefs
In South Africa, where media consumption is high among youth, the portrayal of romance, family, and friendship significantly shapes how matriculants view their social world. While media can be informative, a critical discussion reveals several negative impacts on personal beliefs and values.
1. The Creation of Unrealistic “Couple Goals”
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok often showcase highly curated, “perfect” versions of relationships.
- The Impact: This leads learners to believe that healthy relationships are free from interpersonal conflict. When real-life disagreements occur, the learner may feel their relationship is “failing” because it doesn’t look like the media version.
- The Consequence: This creates excessive stress and a lower quality of life as individuals chase unattainable standards.
2. Reinforcement of Harmful Gender Stereotypes
Media often perpetuates traditional power relations where one gender is portrayed as dominant and the other as submissive.
- The Impact: These portrayals can justify gender inequality and lead to a lack of effective communication between partners.
- The Consequence: In extreme cases, these beliefs contribute to detrimental relationships and can even lead to teenage pregnancy if a partner believes they do not have the power to say no.
3. Normalisation of Toxic Behaviour and Drama
Reality television and soap operas often rely on extreme drama, betrayal, and conflict avoidance to keep viewers engaged.
- The Impact: Constant exposure to these themes can make toxic traits—such as jealousy, controlling behaviour, or frequent shouting—seem like normal signs of “true passion.”
- The Consequence: Learners may fail to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress caused by a toxic partner, mistaking a detrimental relationship for a normal one.
4. Impact on Communication and Conflict Resolution
Media rarely shows the “boring” but essential parts of a relationship, such as conflict resolution and active listening.
- The Impact: Because movies often use a “grand gesture” to solve problems, learners may not develop the study skills of patience and effective communication needed for adult life.
- The Consequence: This makes the transition between school and post-school destinations harder, as learners struggle to build stable support networks in the real world.
Reference for Students:
- Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
- Textbook: Focus Life Orientation Grade 12
- Chapter: Chapter 4: Relationships and Communication
- Topic: Media influence on social health and relationships.
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