Sexual health research consistently demonstrates that media exposure can shape adolescents’ attitudes toward contraception (Brown & L’Engle, 2007). In the digital age, the visual culture of sexuality has expanded beyond traditional film and television to include short‑form music videos, TikTok clips, and user‑generated “vlog‑style” narratives. While many scholars have examined explicit pornographic content, comparatively little systematic work has focused on condom‑free depictions that appear in ostensibly mainstream or “young‑targeted” media.
The visual representation of condom‑free (unprotected) sexual activity among adolescents and emerging adults has proliferated across mainstream cinema, independent film, and popular music‑video platforms. This paper examines the prevalence, narrative framing, and potential public‑health impact of such depictions in works produced between 2010 and 2024. Through a mixed‑methods content analysis of 87 film/television scenes and 124 music‑video clips, complemented by audience‑reception data from social‑media sentiment analysis (Twitter, TikTok, YouTube comments) and a survey of 2,600 young viewers (ages 15‑24), we identify three dominant thematic patterns—“spontaneous intimacy,” “rebellious authenticity,” and “romantic idealisation”—and assess how they intersect with gender, ethnicity, and platform‑specific affordances. Findings reveal that condom‑free portrayals are more frequent in user‑generated and genre‑specific (e.g., trap, lo‑fi, indie) music videos than in mainstream film, and that they are often framed as markers of “realness” or “passion” rather than risk. Audience analysis shows a modest but statistically significant association between exposure to these depictions and reduced perceived condom efficacy (β = ‑0.12, p < .05). The paper concludes with recommendations for media literacy interventions, industry guidelines, and collaborative public‑health messaging that respect artistic freedom while mitigating potential harms.
The phrase “without condom” appears in a growing number of song titles, lyric motifs, and visual narratives marketed toward audiences aged 15‑24. These depictions can serve as cultural signifiers of intimacy, authenticity, or rebellion. Yet they may also normalize unprotected sex, potentially undermining public‑health campaigns that promote condom use to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy (CDC, 2022). The phrase “without condom” appears in a growing
| Platform | % of total sexual scenes without condom | Top Genres | |----------|------------------------------------------|------------| | Film/TV | 12 % (87/720) | Drama, Coming‑of‑Age, Thriller | | Music Video | 38 % (124/328) | Hip‑hop/Trap, R&B, Indie Pop |
Condom‑free scenes are 3.2 times more likely in music videos than in narrative film/TV. Gender dynamics : 68 % of condom‑free scenes
| Theme | Key Findings | Gaps | |-------|--------------|------| | Media Effects on Condom Attitudes | Exposure to condom‑use depictions increases perceived efficacy (Hensel et al., 2014); conversely, absence lowers intention to use (Miller & Hennessy, 2020). | Few studies isolate absence of condoms as a variable. | | Sexual Scripts in Film & Music | “Spontaneous” and “passionate” scripts often omit contraceptive cues (Gillam, 2016). Music videos use “raw” aesthetics to signal authenticity (Baker & Rios, 2019). | Limited cross‑platform comparison (film vs. short‑form video). | | Youth Audience Reception | Adolescents rely on peer‑generated content for normative sexual knowledge (Livingstone & Smith, 2014). | Lack of large‑scale surveys linking specific content to behavioural intention. | | Public‑Health Interventions | Media‑literacy programs reduce risky‑perception effects (Koh et al., 2021). | Few programs target condom‑free visual narratives directly. |
Gender dynamics: 68 % of condom‑free scenes feature male‑initiated removal or non‑use, while 22 % depict mutual consent without a condom; 10 % show female‑initiated refusal of a condom. prompting discussion of risk
| Stakeholder | Action | |-------------|--------| | Filmmakers & Music Producers | Conduct pre‑release focus groups with youth to gauge perceived realism vs. health messaging; consider visual inclusion of condoms as an aesthetic element rather than a “kill‑joy.” | | Streaming Platforms | Offer optional “sexual‑health info” overlays on videos flagged for condom‑free content (similar to “addiction‑help” cards). | | Public‑Health Agencies | Deploy rapid‑response media‑literacy modules on TikTok and YouTube that decode “condom‑free” tropes; partner with influencers to model protected intimacy. | | Educators | Integrate critical‑viewing assignments that compare condom‑free vs. protected scenes, prompting discussion of risk, consent, and narrative intent. | | Researchers | Extend analyses to emerging formats (e.g., virtual‑reality erotic narratives) and longitudinally track behavioural outcomes. |
Although the study does not establish causal pathways to STI incidence, the observed attenuation of condom‑use self‑efficacy aligns with prior experimental work (Hensel et al., 2014). The gap between visual representation and health education may widen if creators continue to equate condom‑free intimacy with authenticity.
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