Can what we believe about an image change how we feel about it?
In the realm of cognitive psychology, recent research reveals that perceived realness plays a powerful role in shaping emotional and physical reactions—particularly when it comes to sexual stimuli.
A 2024 study by Marco Marini and colleagues, published in Cognition and Emotion, provides compelling evidence that images believed to be real generate significantly higher sexual arousal than those perceived as artificial—even when the visual content is essentially identical.
The Science Behind the Study
Two experimental studies were conducted to investigate how perceived authenticity influences self-reported sexual arousal. Participants were shown sexually suggestive images and asked to rate them both in terms of realness (real photo vs. AI-generated) and arousal (on a 6-point scale).
-
In Study 1, 57 heterosexual participants evaluated 60 high-quality images of men and women in lingerie or swimwear.
Results: The more real participants believed the images were, the more aroused they reported feeling. This effect was stronger for women than men. -
In Study 2, 108 new participants were told in advance whether the images they saw were “real” or “artificial.”
Again, participants reported significantly higher arousal when they believed the images were real—regardless of the actual source.
These findings suggest a cognitive-emotional link: the belief that an image is real increases its emotional impact.
Why Does This Matter?
The implications go far beyond the lab.
Cognitive psychology is deeply interested in how perception and belief systems shape our emotional and behavioral responses. This study directly supports the idea that what we think we’re seeing can matter as much—or more—than what’s actually in front of us.
This matters particularly in areas like:
-
Sexual therapy and treatment of dysfunctions
-
Body image and self-esteem in the era of digital perfection
-
The impact of social media on mental and emotional well-being
Realness and Relationships
With the rise of AI-generated content, filtered bodies, and idealized imagery, people—especially young adults—are increasingly exposed to standards that are not just unrealistic, but outright artificial.
This can lead to:
-
Body dissatisfaction
-
Cognitive distortions such as all-or-nothing thinking (“I’m either perfect or I’m a failure”)
-
Sexual disconnection from partners and from one’s own self-image
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offers tools to challenge these patterns. For example, cognitive restructuring (Simos, 2010) helps individuals identify and reframe dysfunctional beliefs like “I’m not desirable unless I look perfect.”
In therapy, exploring the difference between real vs. ideal can help individuals reconnect with authenticity—within themselves, their bodies, and their relationships.
Social Media and the Illusion of Perfection
Social platforms often promote highly edited, AI-enhanced representations of beauty. Continuous exposure to these can:
-
Trigger attentional bias toward perceived flaws
-
Undermine self-worth and confidence
-
Increase social comparison and internalized shame
If we begin to prefer artificial perfection over genuine connection, we may also dull our emotional responses—including sexual desire.
The study by Marini et al. suggests that authenticity matters, even in visual perception. When we believe we’re seeing something real, we connect with it more deeply—physiologically and emotionally.
Practical Takeaways
-
Therapists can use these findings to explore the impact of artificial imagery on clients' sexuality and relationships.
-
Educators and parents can talk to young people about how digital images are constructed—and how real bodies, emotions, and connections look and feel.
-
Individuals can become more mindful of what kinds of images they engage with, and how those images affect their perceptions of beauty, intimacy, and self-worth.
Ultimately, this research highlights a simple but powerful truth:
Authenticity isn’t just emotionally meaningful. It’s arousing.
References
-
Marini, M., Ansani, A., Demichelis, A., Mancini, G., Paglieri, F., & Viola, M. (2024). Real is the new sexy: The influence of perceived realness on self-reported arousal to sexual visual stimuli. Cognition and Emotion, 38(3), 348–360. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2023.2296581
-
Reis, H. T., & Judd, C. M. (Eds.). (2000). Handbook of research methods in social and personality psychology. Cambridge University Press.
-
Simos, G. (Ed.). (2010). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Athens: Patakis Publishing.
Add comment
Comments