Effects of Sex in the Media on Adolescents essays

Effects of Sex in the Media on Adolescents essays Everywhere we go the media is always around us. Through television, radio, internet, movies, video games; we cannot escape media's influence. The media is full of sexual images and themes that can be unhealthy for a growing mind to view. The prevalence of overtly sexual content in the media influences teenagers to be promiscuous. The abundance of sexual material in the media is influencing teenagers to make unhealthy choices about sex. Because sexual themes can be found in all forms of media, it is difficult for teenagers not to be subjected to it. Richard Jackson and Christopher Barlett state, "[aAdolescents] . . . learn about sex from . . . media outlets such as movies, television, magazines, song lyrics, videos and the internet" (1). Allyssa Harris adds, "[The] media are among the primary educators for adolescents about sexuality and sexual behavior" (235). When teenagers are exposed to sexual themes in popular media, it alters their way of thinking in regards to sex. David Myers declares, "[tT]he more sexual content adolescents view, the more likely they are to perceive their peers as sexually active, to develop sexually permissive attitudes, and to experience early intercourse" (361). Frequent exposure to sexual media will affect how teenagers develop their self-identity (Harris 236). When teenagers turn on a media format to be entertained, they are being exposed to sexually charged content that will have harmful consequences on their The large amount of sexual situations shown on television programs influences teenagers to be promiscuous. Most of the popular prime-time television shows are full of sexual acts and behaviors. Myers states that if you watch prime-time television for one hour you will see "15 sexual acts, words and innuendos" (361). Harris adds, "[tThat] up to 70% of all television shows have sexual content, 68% talk about sex and 35% include sexual b...