A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary and the University of Bath has shed light on the portrayal of pain experienced by teenagers in Netflix shows. The study revealed that the streaming giant's content often falls short in accurately representing the diverse range of pain typically encountered by adolescents aged 12 to 18.
The researchers emphasized the need for Netflix to move away from depicting stereotypical scenes, such as the stoic boy and the helpless girl in need of rescue. They highlighted the importance of showcasing a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of pain to help young viewers develop empathy and understanding.
Analysis of approximately 60 hours of Netflix content, including popular shows like Stranger Things and Sex Education, uncovered a total of 732 painful incidents, with an average of 10.24 incidents per hour. The study found that most pain depicted on screen stemmed from violence and injuries, neglecting other types of everyday pain like minor accidents or chronic conditions.
Male characters were shown to experience pain more frequently than female characters, perpetuating gender stereotypes. Additionally, white characters were disproportionately depicted as suffering pain compared to racialized characters, with the latter often portrayed as victims of pain caused by others.
Researchers stressed the importance of accurately representing pain in media, especially given that chronic pain can emerge during adolescence and affect one in five teens. They expressed a desire to collaborate with Netflix and other production companies to ensure a more authentic portrayal of pain in their content.
The study's findings were published in the journal Pain, underscoring the significance of media narratives in shaping children's understanding of pain experiences and empathy towards others. By addressing these issues, content creators can contribute to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive world.
