The Lincoln Log

Sex is highly exploited in the mass media. It is seen on television, advertisements, magazines, recorded music, and the Internet. No wonder sexual promiscuity is rising among adolescents and is an increasing factor in unwanted pregnancy and contracting deadly STDs such as HIV.

Music, music videos and TV sitcoms are perhaps the most prominent sources of sexual exploitation in the media. Producers of the music industry know that sex sells and that is why most music videos use provocative sexual images to make profits. Women are the foremost subjects of sexual exploitation, as they are illustrated in music videos as skin exposing, booty-shaking, cleavage-baring sex idols. Many teenagers who idolize their favorite music artists as role models may see woman as nothing but objects of sexual satisfaction and desire. Young impressionable females may also take this implication as an ideal sex appeal, which may then lead to the initiation of sexual promiscuity and the acceptance of premarital sex among adolescents.

According to behavioral scientist Rebecca Collins and her colleagues, “Teens who watch TV shows containing sexual content have been statistically twice as likely to engage in sexual intercourse than those who have little exposure to televised sex”.

The problem is sex on TV can be persuasive, creating the illusion that sex is more central to daily life than it truly is. TV sitcoms revolving around the themes of sex convey a one-sided view portraying false depiction of the actual effects of sex in the media. Series such as Desperate Housewives and Sex and The City are some TV sitcoms that revolve around the themes of sex and lust.

When sex is depicted on TV shows, the effects are never revealed. Characters don’t go “Oh, I got an STD from you,” or “I regret having sex.” About two-thirds of the media pertaining to sex is corrupted. Sex is portrayed as a casual social engagement, meaning that sex is something required in relationships. Abstinence no longer seems valued and is partially forgotten among adolescents, further making the issue of premarital sex highly acceptable. Many teens today are sexually active and are engaging in sexual activities. They have the mentality that STDs, AIDS, and unintended pregnancy can’t affect them unless they abuse the use of condoms. However, condoms do not consistently prevent many types of STDs, such as HIV, herpes and HPV, human papilloma virus. Adolescents’ bodies are also more susceptible than adults to contracting STDs.

The emotional repercussions that come from having sex are just as damaging as the physical. In many relationships, sex is substituted as an expression of true love. Common misconceptions of these situations are the beliefs that sex will strengthen a relationship or will provide the reciprocation of affection. Sex is not a healthy way of expressing your feelings. There are many other ways of expressing love and affection towards one another, than sex.

There is no safe sex. Contraceptives are only 85% effective, when used correctly. Most teens think they are using it correctly but accidents occur. I strongly feel abstinence should be practiced throughout the teen population. Abstinence not only prevents STDs, unintended pregnancy and other complications of sex, but it also builds healthier and stronger relationships among young people.