Teen Sex Linked To TV Content

The researchers devised a list of 23 popular shows that on average featured abundant sexual content. Programs the researchers considered high in sexual content included "That '70s Show," "Friends" and "Sex and the City."

Participants then were asked how often they watched those 23 shows. They also were asked whether they engaged in various sexual activities; results were compared from the two surveys.

Factors that increased the likelihood of having intercourse included being older, having older friends and getting poor grades. But even considering those factors, television still remained a strong influence, the researchers said.

I know good research takes serious time and money, but it seems to me that the researchers could have been more thorough and found out what sort of families the kids have. Are they watching these shows because their parents aren't around, do they come from broken homes, are the parents promiscuous, etc.

This reminds me of people blaming bad behavior on rock and roll or rap music. If someone is caught in illegal activity while listening to a certain song or musical artist, a lot of people jump to the conclusion that the person is taking part in the activity because of the music. I think that the person is going to commit the crime regardless of what they are listening to. They'd probably do it listening to Barry Manilow.