The question is, does viewing sexual content on TV increase the likelihood of having sex?
In a study conducted in North Carolina, more than 1,000 middle school students were surveyed. The initial survey took place when the subjects were 12-14 years old, and again two years later when they were 14-16 years old (online article: http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500368_162-1464262.html). Researchers measured the frequency to which they were exposed to sexual content on TV, placing the participants into five groups ranging from a lowest exposure group to a highest exposure group.
The results indicated that there is indeed a correlation between exposure to sexual content and the likelihood of having sex at a young age. In fact, it was found that teenagers in the group who were exposed to the most amount of sexual content on TV were 2.2 times as likely to have initiated sexual intercourse.
Despite the results of the study, there is an absence of acknowledgement of several extraneous variables that could potentially influence the results-- things like: how communicative their parents are about sex, whether or not those who were more likely to initiate sexual intercourse happened to already be more sexually promiscuous/assertive, etc. Additionally, there could be an error of cause and effect-- maybe those exposed to a high amount of sexual content watched TV shows containing sexual content because they were already interested in sex in the first place; in other words, adolescents already experienced in sex will choose to consume more sexualized media.
In a follow-up study led by psychologist Laurence Steinberg, data and results from the North Carolina study were reevaluated (online article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100818161449.htm). Steinberg criticized the North Carolina study for its lack of consideration for extraneous variables: "When looking at the relation between a given behavior and given experience, it could look like there is a correlation, when in fact the relationship is dependent on something else entirely."
Steinberg took the results from the North Carolina study and controlled for the other variables that would possibly cause inaccurate results. When accounting for these additional variables, including school performance, religiosity, parental relationships, and perceptions of friends' attitudes about sex, the link between exposure to sexualized media and sexual activity virtually disappears. In addition, Steinberg argues, "...instead of pointing a collective finger at the entertainment industry, the most important influences on adolescents' sexual behavior are probably closer to home."
Although Steinberg concludes that there is no correlation between sexualized media exposure and sexual activity, these are the results of only a single study. It is undeniable that numerous television shows communicate ideas about sex and promiscuity, often without consequences. And as young individuals just exploring their sexuality, it would seem that for teenagers, they are likely to use television as an example.
What do you think?
*Can we be certain that there is no link between exposure to sexualized media and sexual activity? (all extraneous variables controlled)
*Can other factors (such as parents and friends) have more control than the media over teen's sexual activity?
-Alex G.
Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500368_162-1464262.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100818161449.htm
