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
I would have to argue against Seinberg's recalculations. I do believe that sex on television is affecting our youth. On a different shade, people seem to have no problem accepting the correlation between media and poor body image, depression, and eating disorders. Young people try and emulate any idealized character on TV, and if the youth are being exposed to shows about sex, this may seem like a socially normal thing to do. However, teens often watch shows about girls and boys older then them. Young adults look up to these characters, maybe even as a role model. As teenagers are developing, they may get the wrong idea about how to act "older" and see sex as a norm. More studies need to be done on sex and the media, accounting for Steinberg's external factors of course. In my opinion, the fcc should enforce stricter regulations when it comes to sex on television.
ReplyDelete-Katherine S.
I think that I would also agree with Steinberg about this study. Even though they found a correlation between sexual intercourse and tv exposure, which seems like a really important result, there are so many other factors that play into a person's psychological choice to initiate sex that I don't feel the first study has any merit. Although, I agree that television may play some sort of role in an adolescent's developing sexuality. I just don't think that it is the only factor and I agree that factors closer to home would have a bigger impact such as peers or parents.
ReplyDelete-Louise S.
The age of adolescence is a stage in life characterized by defining oneself through exploration. It is of no secret that there are many, many different factors that can influence this. I think that the first study was right to realize that television can be one of these factors. As far as how much weight it actually holds..well I don't think that is even important. The bottom line is that it is one of the factors that is influencing how an adolescent might view sexuality. I think the bigger issue at hand is not which factors are the most influencing, but rather what traits do all factors share in common and how can we make sure their messages are positive? Television and the media are known for showing extreme versions of gender roles. Perhaps we should be more focused on diluting the gender roles in our society--which can seen each and every day far from home and but also inside the home-- and the media would follow.
ReplyDeleteI think that while media definitely play a strong role in most everyone's lives, trying to credit a decision as complicated as the one to becoming sexually active just on that sounds far fetched, hence I agree with Steinberg's rejection of the original study. There are so many factors to be considered in that aspect of preteens' and teenagers' lives that I don't think we can attribute it to how much exposure they're given. The factors closer to home seem to me to be more influential, but even those vary to such a degree that needs a much more nitty-gritty studying than what has been done thus far.
ReplyDelete