SEX AND VIOLENCE IN THE MEDIA

BY: JESS BEHAN

Abstract & Thesis
The media uses sex and violence to influence Americans.
Television
Video games
Magazine's
Those are the three ways young children and teens behaviors are influenced.
Television
An average teenager watches about
three hours of TV a day. Of that three
hours they are watching shows that
contain heavy doses of sexual content,
ranging from touching, kissing, jokes, to
conversations about sexual activity and
portrayals of intercourse. On TV sex is
presented as a casual activity and does
not show the consequences.
Conclusion on Television
Although, their has been little first-hand studies done to date of how watching sex on
television influences teen behavior.
There was a study done by Rebecca Collins, (she is a health and behavioral scientist)
examining the impact of TV sex on teenagers sexual beliefs and activities.
Her study concluded: The results supported that teens that are watching shows with sexual
content may influence teen sexual behavior, but also found that some viewing effects can
be positive.
Watching TV shows with sexual content apparently rushes the initiation of teen sexual
activity.
Sexual talk on TV has the same effect on teens as descriptions of sex do. (such as talking
to your friends about it)
Shows with content about contraception and pregnancy can help to educate teens
about the risks and consequences of sexand can also foster beneficial dialogue
between teens and parents.

Video Games
Video games have been proved that if you play violent games over a
long period on time you will become more aggressive towards others.
Girls are proven to be more effected than boys.
The amount of time you spend playing these violent video games is the
biggest leading cause to the influence. If you play video games all the
time then you are more likely to be more aggressive than someone who
rarely plays them or plays them for an hour or two.

Conclusion on Video Games
Multiple studies have been done to prove that violent video games influence
young Americans.
Studies have proven:
Tend to be more aggressive

Are more prone to confrontation with their teachers

May engage in fights with their peers

See a decline in school achievements.
Magazines
Socialization is how we learn the values, beliefs, and norms of our culture
and how we develop our own sense of self. Mass media, mostly magazines
have the most influence and impact on us. They tell us how we should
dress, look, eat, act and so on. Magazines help us determine what's
appropriate and whats in or cool. Our society is most focused on
fitting in and being the hot hit.
The most famous magazines that all girls know about is the Cosmopolitan
(cosmo) and Seventeen.This magazine talks about sex, dieting, tips on how
to be perfect and different types of guys. It also has quizzes you can take
about what type of girl you are or what type of guy you want.
Conclusion on Magazines
One study by the Kaiser Family Foundation analyzed the top-four teen
magazines. 44 percent of the articles focused on dating or sex, and 37
percent on appearance. 12 percent of the articles were reserved for
advice about school or careers.
Over all Conclusion
All in all I can say that yes the media does use sex and violence to
influence American teens and children. It effects not only the way they
behave but also the way they portray themselves and live.
citations
http://www.pamf.org/parenting-teens/general/media-
web/videogames.html
http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9068.html