Performer Roles and Behaviors in Dyadic Sexually Explicit Media Featuring Men Who Have Sex with Men

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Media Studies

Background:

• Gay men often adopt distinct relationship roles based on sexual function.
• Sexually explicit media (SEM) featuring men who have sex with men (MSM) may inform these role perceptions.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending gay male relationships and media influence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether behavior in MSM SEM differs based on sexual role (insertive/"top" vs. receptive/"bottom").
• To analyze performed intimacy, victimization, and sexual behaviors in relation to sexual roles.
• To determine if SEM accurately reflects distinct behaviors for tops and bottoms.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 220 popular dyadic MSM SEM videos.
• Coding for verbal and physical intimacy, victimization, and sexual behaviors.
• Comparison of performed actions between individuals identified as tops and bottoms.

Main Results:

• Tops and bottoms displayed similar levels of intimacy behaviors.
• Bottoms were more frequently depicted initiating sexual activity than tops.
• Tops engaged in more victimization behaviors, though these were infrequent.
• Tops consistently performed the insertive role; versatile performers were rare.

Conclusions:

• MSM SEM portrays distinct patterns of sexual initiation and victimization based on role.
• Depictions of intimacy and sexual decision-making in MSM SEM are influenced by the sexual role performed.
• Findings contribute to understanding the complexity of sexual self-labels and media's role in shaping perceptions within gay relationships.