2008 Woodie Awards
Is sex on TV bad for teens? NO
Teenagers are old enough to realize that TV and real life are very different
By: James Wallace
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Insight
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Sex on TV stays on TV.
Seeing sex on TV does not always make teenagers want to have sex. TV shows and ads can try to sell sex to you, but that cannot change who you are or the people you know.
As long as teens have raging hormones and the desire to have sex, they will. It's our biology to do so, and sex was created to be enjoyable for a reason.
At certain ages, the need to find a lasting partner becomes more important and almost becomes a necessity in life. Sex is a part of life and if it were not, none of us would be here right now.
TV can affect what people "want," such as types of fashions that look sexy. It could depict these idealistic people that a wide audience will agree is hot. It can show music videos with sex appeal or simulated acts, but it is all just a dream world that only reflects how people already feel about sex.
It also illustrates that people in this country have a fixation with sex and that the general public wants these types of shows. Sex is on TV because people want it there. If they did not want it, it would go away. Advertisers hope that the people out there will see the sex on TV and be old enough to buy the products that have the "sex appeal." They also want you to believe that sex will sell, and you will buy. It's up to us to hold our own values and to know if we are going overboard or making the wrong decisions about protecting ourselves. When it comes down to it, the only one looking out for your own health is yourself.
On the contrary, there are ads promoting abstinence and birth control options, too. Viewers on a mass audience level can see these ads and stay informed about choices that may help them make the smartest decision. There are also organizations such as Planned Parenthood that can provide counseling and additional information to teens or families who are interested.
Social situations where people have the opportunity to meet new partners, including school, work, clubs and the neighborhood they live in also influence our sex lives. People meet new people about every day; thus, we expand our social network to include friends and possible dates or romantic interests.
Seeing sex on TV does not always make teenagers want to have sex. TV shows and ads can try to sell sex to you, but that cannot change who you are or the people you know.
As long as teens have raging hormones and the desire to have sex, they will. It's our biology to do so, and sex was created to be enjoyable for a reason.
At certain ages, the need to find a lasting partner becomes more important and almost becomes a necessity in life. Sex is a part of life and if it were not, none of us would be here right now.
TV can affect what people "want," such as types of fashions that look sexy. It could depict these idealistic people that a wide audience will agree is hot. It can show music videos with sex appeal or simulated acts, but it is all just a dream world that only reflects how people already feel about sex.
It also illustrates that people in this country have a fixation with sex and that the general public wants these types of shows. Sex is on TV because people want it there. If they did not want it, it would go away. Advertisers hope that the people out there will see the sex on TV and be old enough to buy the products that have the "sex appeal." They also want you to believe that sex will sell, and you will buy. It's up to us to hold our own values and to know if we are going overboard or making the wrong decisions about protecting ourselves. When it comes down to it, the only one looking out for your own health is yourself.
On the contrary, there are ads promoting abstinence and birth control options, too. Viewers on a mass audience level can see these ads and stay informed about choices that may help them make the smartest decision. There are also organizations such as Planned Parenthood that can provide counseling and additional information to teens or families who are interested.
Social situations where people have the opportunity to meet new partners, including school, work, clubs and the neighborhood they live in also influence our sex lives. People meet new people about every day; thus, we expand our social network to include friends and possible dates or romantic interests.