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Mass media influences on sexuality
1School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3365, USA. Jane_Brown@unc.edu
Journal of Sex Research
|December 12, 2002
Summary
Mainstream media frequently portray sexuality, influencing public and personal sexual agendas. More research is needed to understand media
Area of Science:
- Media Studies
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mainstream mass media (television, magazines, movies, music, internet) increasingly feature sexual content.
- Current understanding of media's impact on sexual beliefs and behaviors is limited.
- Media plays a role in shaping societal and individual sexual norms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization and effects of media portrayals of sexuality.
- To understand how media content influences sexual beliefs and behaviors.
- To identify gaps in current research, particularly longitudinal studies on adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on media and sexuality.
- Analysis of media content and its reinforcement of sexual norms.
- Identification of the need for longitudinal research designs.
Main Results:
- Media content keeps sexual behavior on public and personal agendas.
- Media portrayals reinforce consistent sexual and relationship norms.
- Sexually responsible models are rarely depicted in media.
Conclusions:
- Media significantly impacts sexual beliefs and behaviors.
- There is a need for more longitudinal research, especially with early adolescents.
- Further investigation is required to understand media content's interpretation and integration into sexual lives.
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