Editor’s Note: This article contains references to sexual violence.

Smut is an increasingly popular term most often used to describe sexual content in young adult and new adult novels. The tag “#smut” has received over 6.2 billion views on TikTok, where avid readers go to discuss and recommend romance novels. This massive interest in romantic literature has pushed discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of smut-heavy content to the forefront of many minds.

Lisa Paciulli, a primatologist and the professor for “The Biology of Love and Sex” course at NC State, said their class focuses more on the biological aspects of love, but they and their students often find themselves in a range of discussions, including the vast market for romance novels. 

Paciulli said the main incentive for the inclusion of sexual content in any medium comes down to capturing the audience’s attention.

“We are biologically, evolutionarily, primed to notice things related to sex because that is how our genes are passed into the next gene pool,” Paciulli said. “Whether we feel prudish or very open about it, it’s in our DNA that things about sex automatically attract our attention.”

Some argue that sexual content should be limited in novels, especially those marketed toward young adults, because of the lack of representation of consensual, healthy, realistic sexual relationships.

“You’re constantly being exposed to the good aspects of sex but not what we might culturally consider negative aspects such as contracting sexually transmitted diseases, getting pregnant and having sex with someone and never seeing them again,” Paciulli said.

Paciulli also pointed toward a scientific literature review which says the relationship between adolescent sexuality and media use is not purely good or bad. 

“If the book’s approach has a lot of communication and actually talks about consent, that could give young readers the idea that consent has to take place first,” Paciulli said.

Romance books that are “sex-positive” intend to emphasize the importance of trust and consent in sexual relationships. They are distinguished by their attempt to provide a space for realistic conversations about everything, good and bad, that sex encompasses. 

Sex-positive literature often excludes themes such as sexual violence, which can either bring criticism for ignoring its existence or praise for not toeing the line of romanticization.

Luke LeGrand, a rhetoric and communication Ph.D. candidate and instructor of “Writing in Film” at NC State, studies a broad array of concepts and mediums that involve sexual content in his research and often questions content trends in the media.

“It’s an interesting question to ask: ‘Why is some content trending towards violence, and what does that suggest?’” LeGrand said. “I would argue that it is tied up in a lot of the patriarchal structures that we have built.”

Infamous romance novels such as “50 Shades of Gray,” “365 Days” and “It Ends With Us” all depict violent, overbearing tendencies from the male partner. As a result, they have been criticized for blurring the lines between consensual relationships and abuse.

“There is this reaction to women’s liberation, women having increased agency and the existence of queer people and trans people,” LeGrand said. “There is an attempt by a patriarchal establishment to objectify through violence what people feel socially entitled to. That’s my theory.”

In the end, Paciulli said, each individual must think critically to distinguish between positive consensual sexual relationships and romanticization of toxicity or abuse.

“If you have critical reading skills, you’re able to draw a line between the parts that are essential for the story and what parts portray real aspects of life that someone may encounter in the future,” Paciulli said. “The idea goes back to always teaching everyone to critically consume their media.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence, sexual violence, stalking or any other form of interpersonal violence and are in need of advocacy services, the NC State Women’s Center has trained advocates available to offer crisis intervention, emotional support, resources and referrals. Students can contact the 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline at 919-515-4444 or email ncsuadvocate@ncsu.edu to schedule an appointment with an advocate.

Advocacy services through the NC State Women’s Center are available for all students inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

For more information on advocacy services, please visit go.ncsu.edu/supportsurvivors. If you would like to talk to a confidential resource, you can also connect with the NC State Counseling Center at 919-515-2423. You may also visit go.ncsu.edu/safe for additional information on resources and reporting options.