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In this blog, Brook’s 20-24 Participation Advisory Group reflect on their project, FeelScene, a successful social media campaign that puts the spotlight on how the media we consume portrays sex, relationships and identity, and the impact that has on our expectations in real life.
What we watch, scroll past, and share every day doesn’t just entertain us, it shapes us. From sitcoms and reality TV to TikTok clips and porn, media plays a huge role in how we all learn about sex, relationships, and what’s “normal”. This is especially true for you people who are growing up in a world where endless media is always at their disposal. But what happens when those messages don’t reflect real life at all?
As Brook’s 20–24 Participation Advisory Group (PAG), we spent time digging into that question. The result is FeelScene, a social media campaign designed to help us think more critically about how sex, relationships and identity are shown in the media, and how that can impact our expectations of relationships in real life.
When we first started thinking about our project, it quickly became apparent just how much media we consume every day. As a generation that has been growing alongside social media and seen a shift from what is okay to what gets you cancelled, we felt passionately about the topic and knew we had the knowledge and experience to speak about both the positive and negatives of the media around us. During our discussions we kept returning to the fact that for today’s young people, TV, film and social media act as a stand in for real life experience; it is our experiences of fiction that form our expectations of what sex and relationships are supposed to be.
We were all in agreement, that is super worrying, and we need to change it!
When we spoke about re-watching older shows like How I Met Your Mother and Friends, it sparked a lot of frustration. What once felt funny or normal now feels uncomfortable. Characters lie, manipulate, disrespect boundaries, and treat people as disposable, all framed as entertainment and comedy; all the things that are excused with “oh, but it was of its time!”, that’s what we’re talking about. We know healthy communication doesn’t make for dramatic TV, so it’s often left out. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important.
At the same time, modern media is increasingly driven by engagement. Rage bait, shock value, and controversy get clicks. The goal isn’t realism or care, it’s attention. That creates a cycle where shallow or extreme portrayals of sex and relationships are pushed forward, while nuance and honesty get pushed aside.
Porn came up a lot too. Many of us grew up knowing that porn isn’t “real life”. But when it’s everywhere, that message can get blurry and with the rise of AI-generated content, it can start to feel like what we’re seeing is what sex should look like, even though it reflects maybe 5% of real experiences, if that.
We linked this to bigger issues like loneliness, especially among young men, and rigid ideas about masculinity in relationships. When media repeatedly shows men as emotionally unavailable, dominant and incapable of communication, it doesn’t just affect how others see them, it affects how they see themselves.
Our ideas grew bigger and bigger and there was so much we could and should be talking about; it was like creating string theory! But all these ideas made one thing clear: young people don’t need to be told to stop watching media, they just need tools to question it, unpack it, and understand the difference between entertainment and reality. That’s where FeelScene came in.
FeelScene is a social media campaign created by and for young people, with the aim of building media literacy around sex, relationships, and identity.
The campaign encourages young people to reflect on what they’re watching or scrolling through. Is this showing healthy communication? Are boundaries respected? Is jealousy framed as love? Are power dynamics ignored? Or is it presenting a polished fantasy that doesn’t leave room for awkwardness or consent or growth?
Rather than shaming people for enjoying certain shows or content, FeelScene takes a compassionate approach. Media is designed to be enjoyable, that’s its job. Whether we’re laughing or crying, hiding behind a cushion or audibly rooting for your favourite character or storyline, even if what we’re watching isn’t modelling healthy behaviour, that’s what content is made for: to make us feel something and escape in a story that isn’t ours. But it’s easy to get lost in that, especially in a post-digital world where the lines are blurred. If we can understand how and why media pulls us in, it gives us more control over how it influences us.
FeelScene also highlights positive alternatives. Media can be art. It can show conflict handled with respect, and explore sex and relationships in ways that feel human rather than performative. When we support and engage with that kind of content, we create space for more of it to exist.
We were clear about the importance of using lived experience as part of our project because authenticity matters, especially when talking about something as personal as sex and relationships. This is why FeelScene is rooted in real experiences.
We hope the legacy of our project is a continuation of helping young people understand that what they see in the media, especially porn and heavily scripted TV, is an exaggerated version of reality. Sex doesn’t usually look like that. Relationships don’t follow neat story arcs. Awkwardness, communication, negotiation, and mutual respect are part of real intimacy, even if they don’t make for viral content.
The campaign has had over 61k views across Brook’s social platforms to date, so it’s already creating an ongoing legacy that we’re incredibly proud of!
We also want it to continue challenging negative portrayals that are treated as normal or aspirational. One of our most successful social media posts was about Love Island, a reality TV show that relies on men making women coffee every morning as proof of their commitment. The actual reality is that everyone’s relationships and idea of commitment looks different! The same can be said for portrayals in TV shows such a Gilmore Girls and in movies such as 50 Shades of Grey or Love Actually. Just because a character is charismatic or their actions are accompanied by canned laughter, doesn’t mean their behaviour is healthy. Disrespect and emotional unavailability shouldn’t be the blueprint for real relationships, even if they were once played for laughs.
Beyond that, we want FeelScene to be a first step into wider media literacy and critical thinking skills. Once you start questioning how sex and relationships are portrayed, it becomes easier to question other messages too. From gender roles to political narratives, media affects how we think whether we realise it or not. Awareness changes our relationship with it.
Ultimately, the hope is that FeelScene inspires both consumers and creators. That young people feel empowered to demand better representation, and maybe even create it themselves. Media has meaning and art has value;
When it’s rooted in real experience, it can help people feel informed, less alone and above all else, it can help them feel seen.
Tilly: “I really enjoy doing what we do. I feel like being a part of the 20-24 PAG has helped me build my confidence and I love the community.”
Elijah: “I’ve loved my past 4 years at Brook. Being able to make a difference and provide a voice I wish I’d had when I was younger means the world to me.”
Nadia: “I also have found it so rewarding to participate in other Brook projects such as research, the video for sexual health awareness week. It’s benefitted me not only personally, being able to educate, participate and celebrate sexual health, but also to be part of such an amazing charity!”
FeelScene came from honest conversations about frustration and concern around how sex and relationships are shown in the media. It recognises that we live in a world saturated with content that shapes expectations in powerful ways. Rather than rejecting media outright, we wanted to encourage curiosity and critical thinking, reminding us that entertainment isn’t reality, that healthy relationships deserve visibility, and that young people deserve better than shallow or harmful narratives.
As the Brook 20-24 PAG, we are really proud to have started these conversations, and we are excited to see the lasting impact where young people feel more confident navigating media and feel more equipped to build relationships that are respectful, consensual, and real.
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What if the men we saw on screen were allowed to be real?As part of Brook`s #FeelScene campaign, Eliza from Brook’s 20–24 Participation Advisory Group reflects on how films and TV shape ideas of masculinity and why we need more emotionally complex male characters in the media we watch.From loving mentors and therapists to brave friends and fathers, these stories remind us that positive male role models don’t have to be perfect. They just have to show up and keep trying.If we saw more men like this on our screens, would boys and men feel more inspired to believe in themselves?Head to the link in the bio to read the full blog 🔗
What if the men we saw on screen were allowed to be real?As part of Brook`s #FeelScene campaign, Eliza from Brook’s 20–24 Participation Advisory Group reflects on how films and TV shape ideas of masculinity and why we need more emotionally complex male characters in the media we watch.From loving mentors and therapists to brave friends and fathers, these stories remind us that positive male role models don’t have to be perfect. They just have to show up and keep trying.If we saw more men like this on our screens, would boys and men feel more inspired to believe in themselves?Head to the link in the bio to read the full blog 🔗 …
You might be wondering, "what has Doctor Who got to do with s3x, relationships and identity?" It turns out, quite a lot actually!Brook`s #FeelScene campaign looks at representations of s3x, relationships and identity in the media we consume and shows us that we can be influenced by what we see, both positively and negatively.Oscar, from Brook`s Participation Advisory Group shares the influence The Doctor has had on him as role model, shaping his relationships with masculinity and humanity as a whole.You can read Oscar`s full blog "A Different Kind of Hero: How Doctor Who shaped my understanding of masculinity and humanity" on the Brook website. Link in bio ✨
You might be wondering, "what has Doctor Who got to do with s3x, relationships and identity?" It turns out, quite a lot actually!Brook`s #FeelScene campaign looks at representations of s3x, relationships and identity in the media we consume and shows us that we can be influenced by what we see, both positively and negatively.Oscar, from Brook`s Participation Advisory Group shares the influence The Doctor has had on him as role model, shaping his relationships with masculinity and humanity as a whole.You can read Oscar`s full blog "A Different Kind of Hero: How Doctor Who shaped my understanding of masculinity and humanity" on the Brook website. Link in bio ✨ …
Quite often we look to TV and film to see portrayals of love, sex and relationships. They make us smile, laugh, cry, and sometimes they leave us thinking, "well that`s just not real!"As part of Brook`s #FeelScene campaign, we asked young people if they could think of any TV and film that portrays unrealistic sex and relationships.Whilst TV and film are entertainment, many of us learn from them too. So when they`re unrealistic they can lead us to have expectations that might never be met or to accept things in relationships that maybe we shouldn`t.What standout examples would you add to the list?
Quite often we look to TV and film to see portrayals of love, sex and relationships. They make us smile, laugh, cry, and sometimes they leave us thinking, "well that`s just not real!"As part of Brook`s #FeelScene campaign, we asked young people if they could think of any TV and film that portrays unrealistic sex and relationships.Whilst TV and film are entertainment, many of us learn from them too. So when they`re unrealistic they can lead us to have expectations that might never be met or to accept things in relationships that maybe we shouldn`t.What standout examples would you add to the list? …
From Chewing Gum to Insecure to I May Destroy You, Black women’s stories on screen have changed what it means to be seen.Brook’s #FeelScene campaign looks at representation that feels real, not flawless or simplified, but fully human.Yeleena from Brook’s Participation Group shares how creators like Michaela Coel and Issa Rae opened up space for Black women to be complex, funny, vulnerable and powerful all at once.Representation should not mean performing perfection. It should mean being allowed to exist fully, in every shade of emotion and experience.
From Chewing Gum to Insecure to I May Destroy You, Black women’s stories on screen have changed what it means to be seen.Brook’s #FeelScene campaign looks at representation that feels real, not flawless or simplified, but fully human.Yeleena from Brook’s Participation Group shares how creators like Michaela Coel and Issa Rae opened up space for Black women to be complex, funny, vulnerable and powerful all at once.Representation should not mean performing perfection. It should mean being allowed to exist fully, in every shade of emotion and experience. …
As part of our #FeelScene campaign, our 20–24 Participation Advisory Group is looking at how media shapes the way we see sex and relationships. TV has always shown us versions of teenage life, but how much has really changed?From Waterloo Road to Sex Education, on-screen relationships have come a long way. We see more honesty, inclusion and talk about consent, but there’s still progress to make.Which show do you think gets it closest to real life?
As part of our #FeelScene campaign, our 20–24 Participation Advisory Group is looking at how media shapes the way we see sex and relationships. TV has always shown us versions of teenage life, but how much has really changed?From Waterloo Road to Sex Education, on-screen relationships have come a long way. We see more honesty, inclusion and talk about consent, but there’s still progress to make.Which show do you think gets it closest to real life? …
The moment autumn rolls around we start to hear those la la lasBut for a show that is so beloved, are any of the relationships actually healthy? We’re doing a deep dive into Gilmore Girls and discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly of our fave couples!This mini series is part of our #FeelScene campaign, created by Brook’s 20-24 Participation Advisory Group. Thanks to Tilly for giving us her thoughts on Luke and Lorelai. Do you agree?Let us know your thoughts and who you want us to cover next in the comments ⬇️
The moment autumn rolls around we start to hear those la la lasBut for a show that is so beloved, are any of the relationships actually healthy? We’re doing a deep dive into Gilmore Girls and discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly of our fave couples!This mini series is part of our #FeelScene campaign, created by Brook’s 20-24 Participation Advisory Group. Thanks to Tilly for giving us her thoughts on Luke and Lorelai. Do you agree?Let us know your thoughts and who you want us to cover next in the comments ⬇️ …
Some films do more than entertain.As part of Brook’s #FeelScene campaign, 20-24 PAG member Rachel shares the queer films that shaped her and why they still matter. Swipe through and let us know the queer films that shaped you below.
Some films do more than entertain.As part of Brook’s #FeelScene campaign, 20-24 PAG member Rachel shares the queer films that shaped her and why they still matter. Swipe through and let us know the queer films that shaped you below. …
Swipe for Brook`s guide to relationship reality checks! Popular shows feed us harmful myths about love and relationships. Don`t let helicopter dates and "soulmate" narratives define real love. Grand gestures aren`t everything, "perfect" communication isn’t realistic, and you don`t need someone to "complete" you. Question what you see, swipe for reality checks, and remember – in an age of hyperconnectivity and digital overwhelm – Brook is here for real, useful support when you need it.As part of their #FeelScene campaign, Brook`s 20-24 Participation Advisory Group are exploring how film and TV can shape our attitudes towards sex and relationships.
Swipe for Brook`s guide to relationship reality checks! Popular shows feed us harmful myths about love and relationships. Don`t let helicopter dates and "soulmate" narratives define real love. Grand gestures aren`t everything, "perfect" communication isn’t realistic, and you don`t need someone to "complete" you. Question what you see, swipe for reality checks, and remember – in an age of hyperconnectivity and digital overwhelm – Brook is here for real, useful support when you need it.As part of their #FeelScene campaign, Brook`s 20-24 Participation Advisory Group are exploring how film and TV can shape our attitudes towards sex and relationships. …
Over on Brook’s Blog, you can find pieces written by our 20-24 PAG, all about how film and TV influences our view of sex, relationships and identity.
As part of their FeelScene campaign, Brook’s 20-24 Participation Advisory Group (PAG) are reflecting on the ways that media has shaped our perceptions of sex, relationships and identity. In this blog, Oscar…
In this blog, Education and Wellbeing Specialists Katie Cicco and Juliette Graham explore how AI can help young people learn about sex and relationships and explain the key risks parents,…
As part of their FeelScene campaign, Brook’s 20-24 Participation Advisory Group (PAG) are reflecting on the ways that media has shaped our perceptions of sex, relationships and identity. In this blog, Eliza…