TY - GEN AU - Anciones-Anguita,K. AU - Checa-Romero,M. KW - Adolescence KW - Sexual agency KW - Sexual empowerment KW - Social media KW - Systematic review T1 - Sexual Agency on Social Media During Adolescence: A Systematic Review LA - eng PY - 2025/// T2 - Sexuality Research and Social Policy SN - 1553-6610 PB - Springer AB - Introduction: The increasing sexualization of culture and the rise of social media have transformed the way adolescents construct and express their sexuality. It is therefore crucial to understand how social media influences the creation of sexualized content and how this practice is reinforced through the discourse of empowerment. Methods: This systematic review synthesizes empirical research from the past 20 years on sexual agency in digital environments during adolescence. A total of 1116 articles were reviewed, of which 15 met the stated inclusion criteria. Results: Findings indicate that exposure to sexualized content on social media influences the perception and expression of sexual agency, shaped by dynamics of social validation and gender standards. Interpersonal relationships and the social environment play a key role in self-sexualization, either reinforcing or challenging it. Furthermore, the tension between agency and objectification shows that, although some adolescents consider these practices as forms of empowerment, in many cases, they respond to external pressures and socio-cultural norms. Gender differences are relevant, as adolescent girls face greater pressure for self-sexualization and stricter social surveillance. Conclusions: The results underline the need for longitudinal studies and further analysis of emerging platforms to better understand the implications of sexual agency in digital environments. Policy Implications: It also highlights the importance of developing educational policies and sexuality education programs that address these challenges from a holistic perspective. DO - 10.1007/S13178-025-01169-6 UR - https://portalcientifico.uah.es/documentos/68a0cccdea77332c375378f9 DP - Dialnet - Portal de la Investigación ER -