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