Sex in the Media

Themes of sexuality are becoming more and more common throughout the media today. In the article “Mass media influences on sexuality – Statistical data included”, by Jane Brown, the ideas and themes of sexuality and the media are becoming very prevalent in our teen society today. It is recorded that the average young person spends 6 to 7 hours every day using some form of the media. It has been proven that nearly half of all television shows portray some sort sexuality; ranging from “flirting to sexual intercourse”.

About one fifth to half of all music played contains some sort of sexual content or sexual reference. Brown goes onto talk about how the media leaves out the risks of unprotected sex (the 3 C’s) and the dangers incorporated with it. Along with the dangers, Brown talks about the programs on television that include sexual content and that only 1 out of every 10 shows contain information that mention consequences, and the need and importance of contraceptives.

This article is helpful to teenagers and young adults because it discusses the reasons to take precaution and that what we see on television is not always the same as the situations in real life. Brown makes a good point in that sex can be a very sensitive topic and how it is shown to some extent on television however it is the audience’s responsibility to take proper care for their bodies and not leave it up to what is seen on television. “But an emerging set of studies that go beyond content to address how audiences select, interpret, and apply sexual content suggests that the media may play an important role, especially for young people (Steele 1999).” As a result young adults today should make responsible decisions and treat their body as a temple. Media can be a huge persuasive factor in one’s life, however, it is necessary to be safe and to protect one’s body.

Samantha<3