Does The Media Influence Adolescents Sexual Behaviors and...

Sexual content first appeared in the media in the 1980s. It was in the shape of a sex education newsletter (Rich, n.d.). Puberty is a strange stage for a teenager. During this stage in life they go through different developments such as hormone increase, sexual desires etc. The media can sometimes influence adolescents to become sexually active. They are more susceptible to being swayed to accepting sexual acts as being normal during the puberty stage. Depending on the age and phase of growth the adolescents are going through, their cognitive skills permit them to decisively explore the hidden messages found in the media. Studies show that adolescents’ sexuality is linked to the media; however, the affiliation is not apparent (Grube †¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Inappropriate or inadequate sexual messages pertaining to abstinence, birth control, and sexually transmitted diseases; the lack of easy access to birth control; cultural attitudes; and the lack of education pe rtaining to birth control in sex education classes all may contribute to the relatively high pregnancy rate in the US† (Earles, Alexander, Johnson, Liverpool, McGhee, 2002). The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the world. While teen pregnancy is declining in the United States, the rate here is still nine times higher than most other nations (Steiger, 2013). Current statistics show that more than 367,000 babies were born to teen’s ages 15 to 19. Many of the teen pregnancies are repeat pregnancies. That means that one out of five births is to mothers who have already had a child. Teen pregnancy can cost an anticipated 10.9 million annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). â€Å"New evidence points to the media adolescents use frequently (television, music, movies, magazines, and the Internet) as important factors in the initiation of sexual intercourse† (Strasburger, 2010). Take shows like 16 and pregnant or Teen Mom for example, those shows portray young girls who have babies and are still having them. Rich (n.d.) mentions that music often shapes adolescents morals and outlooks on sex. Genres such as heavy metal, rap, rock and roll etc. with lyrics that includeShow MoreRelatedMass Media Is An Integral Part Of Everyday Life989 Words   |  4 PagesMass media is an integral part of everyday life. Society depends on the various forms of media for information, education, and personal entertainment. Mass media positively and negatively influences beliefs, values, and expands knowledge to bring awareness to various social events. 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