Instructional Analysis and Design
Dr. Boehmer
11/18/2013
“What’s Love Got to Do With It?”
The Portrayal of Sexual Themes in U.S. Popular Culture and its Effect on Sexual Development, Morals, and Attitudes towards Sex in Adolescents A large chunk of American culture is undoubtedly defined by its technology. Television shows, music, Internet innovations, and movies are all essential components of a culture that is recognized as solely American. And, as technology grows, the broadcasted messages these shows contain can reach more people than ever before, transcending both cultural and national borders in order to reach anybody with a computer, a television, a smart phone, or a local library. It has been noted, however, …show more content…
According to Collins, Elliott, Berry, Kanouse, and Kunkel, “A key period of sexual exploration and development occurs during adolescence. During this time, individuals begin to consider which sexual behaviors are enjoyable, moral, and appropriate for their age group” (280). This poses a problem when adolescents intertwine this sexual exploration with the often commercialized view of sexual activity shown in popular media. In the media’s eyes, sex is casual, common, and fun. (Epstein and Ward 120). And if sex is so casual, common, and fun, why wouldn’t the average teenager take it lightly? That’s exactly what has happened. The correlation between exposure to sexual content and the intention of adolescents to have sex is undeniable (ter Bogt, Rutger, Engels, Bogers, and Kloosterman 844) and it is posing a definite risk to the sexual and mental health of young …show more content…
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