Sexualization in Video Games

We've been talking a lot about how television and the internet have effected the attitudes on sex for many young adults. We haven't really discussed the recent combination of internet and media through video games though. I think this is an important junction in time because of the growing popularity of video games, especially online multi-player games. Some popular examples are League of Legends, Dota, World of Warcraft, etc. There is also something in common between these games, and that is the hyper sexualization of female characters. While males are often depicted as hyper masculine in these games, it doesn't compare to the extent that females are sexualized.

The female characters in these games are often dressed in extremely revealing clothing and have unrealistic body proportions. Skinny body, huge breasts, and long legs. Many younger players may be influenced negatively by these standards. Even though the characters aren't always necessarily human or realistic, they could have lasting effects on how the players view body types and sex in general. In the Delgado and Austin article, we read about how video games could be used as useful tools in sex education and sex health messages, but the same could definitely be said for the opposite. Games like Grand Theft Auto often teach unsafe sexual messages which could lead to cultivation effects in youth. Delgado and Austin talk about how the self-efficacy of doing these actions yourself instead of simply watching, leads to more retention of messages.

This is could also relate to the Aubery et. al reading about priming. These unrealistic body proportions could make both male and female gamers self-conscious about their bodies or have negative attitudes about other body types. While most people know that the game is a game and that the characters aren't real people, there are those to cosplay (costume play) as a hobby and they do dangerous things to try and achieve these unobtainable bodies. They try unhealthy diets or even get plastic surgery to make themselves fit a character's image better. Also those who play video games may judge others based on these standards and it's completely unfair and unreasonable. It would be interesting to see how both body-consciousness and body ideals measure for heavy gamers.