Aesthetic ambivalence and ethical tensions on streaming platforms: examining the television series adolescence as a case study

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the aesthetic, narrative and ethical dimensions of postmodern audiovisual productions in the streaming era, focusing on how adolescence, mental health and violence are represented in Adolescence series. It aims to explore the ambivalence between “cute” and “macabre” esthetics and the implications of these portrayals for audience perception and media ethics. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, interpretive and exploratory methodology was adopted, combining textual analysis, visual semiotics and thematic analysis. Four independent coders – experts in communication, media studies and film – analyzed a purposive sample of Adolescence series. This study examines the aesthetic, narrative and ethical dimensions of postmodern audiovisual productions in the streaming era, focusing on how adolescence, mental health and violence are represented in Adolescence, a British television psychological crime drama series created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini (2024, WARP Films). Data triangulation was achieved through the integration of primary audiovisual texts, paratextual materials (posters, trailers and social media campaigns) and secondary sources (critical reviews, scholarly literature and audience commentary). Findings – The findings indicate that Adolescence combines striking visual impact with a critical reflection on violence and suffering. While aesthetic excess can risk transforming pain into spectacle, the series simultaneously exposes the fragility of institutions and the vulnerability of parental figures, shifting the narrative focus from sensationalism to the structural roots of social conflict. These results contribute to the broader debate on the ethics of audiovisual culture by highlighting how political, economic and social dynamics shape the ways in which younger generations perceive the world, construct their identities and understand their place within society. Furthermore, the study suggests that future research should examine the role of streaming platforms in leveraging emotional impact to capture audience attention and assess whether such portrayals – particularly those depicting parental figures and institutions such as the police or schools in a negative light – may generate adverse effects on the perceptions and value frameworks of younger audiences. Originality/value – By theorizing ethical ambivalence as a category for analyzing teen streaming narratives, this study contributes to ongoing debates on postmodern audiovisual culture. Beyond describing aesthetic strategies, it highlights the ethical risks and responsibilities these series entail for audiences, educators and platforms, opening avenues for future research on the social impact of streaming entertainment.

DOI

10.1108/JICES-08-2025-0220

Publication Date

12-2025

Language

eng

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS