This WWW site is developed and revised by Shane R. Jimerson, Ph.D. at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The authors of each of the topics are graduate students enrolled in the Adolescent Development seminar at UCSB.
Each year, we will continue to post additional papers addressing current issues in adolescent development.
If you have questions or comments please e-mail Dr. Jimerson at Jimerson@education.ucsb.edu
 

 
ABSTRACT

Teenagers, Television and Sexual Socialization

by Kirstie Marie Cope
University of California, Santa Barbara

email:  6500kmc2@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu
 

 Teenagers today are having sex, and unsafe sex, in large numbers.  Surveys indicate that American public believes that the media may be at least partly to blame.This paper addresses the question: Does television influence teenage sexuality?

Many studies have documented the prevalence of sex in the popular media.  Overall, the image of sexuality portrayed on television is a carefree one, full of humor and lacking in responsibility or real-world consequences.  This raises the concern that adolescents, who are just beginning to explore their own sexuality, may adopt this view of sexuality and may model some of the behaviors they see on television.
 Although many studies have documented the amount of sex on television, not may have examined the impact of these types of portrayals on adolescents.  However, there are some key studies that suggest effects are likely.  Theoretical approaches also provide some insight.  Cultivation theory predicts that adolescents who are exposed to repeated images of sex and sexuality may come to believe that the images they see on the television are realistic portrayals of adult sexual behavior.  Social cognitive theory suggests they may even imitate them.
 This paper concludes, based on empirical evidence, information about adolescent sexual socialization, theoretical perspectives, and the nature and amount of sex and television, that TV may indeed be having an influence on teenage sexuality.
 A complete copy of this paper can be obtained from the author who can be contacted at the above email address.