Romanticizing lust: How Media is romanticizing lust.

In the era of binge-watching, streaming platforms like Netflix have become an integral part of our lives, shaping our perceptions and expectations, especially when it comes to relationships. However, there's a concerning trend in many of these shows where relationships are often portrayed solely based on physical attraction, emphasizing lust over love. This portrayal not only distorts the idea of love but also creates unrealistic expectations among viewers, especially the youth.

Take, for example, the popular Netflix series "Riverdale." While it's entertaining, the relationships depicted in the show often prioritize physical attraction and passion over emotional connection and compatibility. Characters like Archie and Veronica or Betty and Jughead frequently find themselves in dramatic and intense relationships, where physical attraction seems to be the driving force behind their connection.

Similarly, "Gossip Girl," another beloved series, showcases a world where physical appearance and social status are valued more than genuine emotional connections. Characters like Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf often engage in toxic relationships driven by lust and power dynamics rather than love and mutual respect.

These shows, among many others, create a distorted view of relationships, where passion and physical attraction are prioritized over communication, trust, and compatibility. While physical attraction is undoubtedly important in any relationship, it's just one piece of the puzzle. True love goes beyond surface-level attraction and involves emotional intimacy, trust, communication, and shared values.Other factors that are crucial for healthy relationships include

1. Communication: The ability to openly and honestly communicate with your partner is essential for a strong and healthy relationship. This includes not only expressing your own thoughts and feelings but also actively listening to your partner.

2. Trust: Trust forms the foundation of any successful relationship. Without trust, it's challenging to build intimacy and create a deep connection with your partner.

3. Compatibility: Shared values, interests, and life goals are crucial for long-term relationship success. While physical attraction may initially draw two people together, it's compatibility that keeps them together in the long run.

4. Respect: Mutual respect is vital in any relationship. This includes respecting your partner's boundaries, opinions, and individuality.

As a result of these portrayals, many young viewers might develop unrealistic expectations about relationships. They may come to believe that intense physical attraction and dramatic, passionate relationships are the norm, rather than emotional connection, trust, and compatibility. This can lead to a misunderstanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship and can result in disappointment and dissatisfaction in real-life relationships.

In countries where hookup culture or physical attraction is not the first Priority, this type of content can create significant changes in societal norms and expectations. It raises questions about whether these changes are positive or negative and how they impact individuals' self-esteem and confidence. It's essential for viewers to recognize that while these shows may be entertaining, they don't always reflect real-life relationships accurately. Instead of romanticizing lust, we should encourage narratives that depict love in its truest form—based on mutual respect, understanding, and emotional connection. By being critical of the media we consume and understanding the difference between lust and love, we can foster healthier perceptions of relationships and build more meaningful connections in our own lives.