Importance of Media (by Meggean Bos)

The culture and society in which we live plays a part in our sexual behavior. We can look at media to what is considered normal and acceptable in America. Social learning theory has contributed to profound changes in sexual attitudes and behaviors. We have terminology like “sexting” and “cyber sex” that have come around in the 21st century.

If we explore more into a social learning perspective we can see that most media depicts sex in unrealistic terms. “For example, an analysis of sexual content in the most popular movies released between 1983 and 2003 found that most sex acts depicted (705) occurred among people who had just met. Moreover, almost every scene (98%0 failed to address that topic of contraception,” (Lehmiller, 2014, p. 14-15).

An excellent research article is by Jane Brown. It contains information on how the mass media are an increasingly accessible way for people to learn about and see sexual behavior. The media may be especially important for young people as they are developing their own sexual beliefs and patterns of behavior, and as parents and schools remain reluctant to discuss sexual topics.

Brown, J. D. (2002). Mass media influences on sexuality (statistical data included. Journal of Sex Research, 39(1), 11.