Psychology
Human sexuality has existed for a long time with changing definitions on the standards of sexual behavior. Traditional attitudes of sexuality have made it possible to accept different sexual orientations with increased research on presentation of sexuality. Understanding this concept requires in-depth knowledge of humanity and the different factors affecting it such as their interactive methods, media and culture. .
There is no conclusive definition of normal sexual behavior as sexual behaviors in society are affected by human perception and social factors. Perceptions regard to the cultural, legal, ethical, moral, and religious environments on individual understanding of self-experiences and fear of sexual relationships (Yarber et al., 2016). Social factors include the role of parents, media, and peers in addressing sexual consciousness and sexual behaviors.
Factors influencing sexual behavior include psychological aspects such as self-esteem, denial, locus of control, and dissociation on sexual practices. Family social background influences the way an individual will interact with the opposite gender sexually (Yarber et al., 2016). The media portrays sexuality by providing essential information for people on sexual health and healthy sexual relationships. However, mass media has negatively influenced teenagers sexual conduct as there are explicit portrayals of sexual content in advertisements, television contents, and increasing frequent sexual content.
Media plays a significant role in establishing cultural norms on sexuality by providing new information that may persuade people to accept it. The press informs listeners on what other people learn, thereby facilitating coordination among the communities (Yarber et al., 2016). various forms of advertisements depict sexuality through the use of sex appeal in selling their products or services. The publications involve imagery such as muscular men, nudity, pin-up models, and use of models with revealing postures and outfits (Schnabel et al., 2016).
The media has dramatically affected our teenage generation on presentation of sex through the use of explicit sexual content (Yarber et al., 2016). Sexual imagery has cultivated irresponsible behavior among the youth leading to increased unwanted pregnancies, the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and increased of vices such as rape and molestations.
When examining sexuality, we often make value judgments as the evaluations are based on moral and ethical standards. Value judgment implies on how individuals should behave and relies mostly on how an individual feels other than personal behavior.
Assessment skills can be clouded with our opinions, biases, and stereotypes as they affect the power of making decisions and the ability to think straight. These will make an individual overlook certain aspects and make questionable decisions that promote discrimination, conflicts, and loss of trust among individuals.
Communication Decency Act is American legislation enacted in the year 1996 that prevent transmission of pornographic and explicit sexual content over the internet.
The Act was enacted in response to concerns on how minors accessed pornographic content on the internet. The legislation created a criminal action against people who transmit the indecent and inappropriate sexual message as determined by community standards to individuals below the age of 18 years (Minor, et al., 2016). Additionally, the Act provided a defense to the senders of the online content only if they take reasonable efforts in good faith to exclude the minors.
Media and sexual materials influence young generation’s thinking and actions in many ways. Media influence on children may promote violence, substance abuse, and massive eating disorders. Additionally, Sharing of sexual contents promotes early pregnancies, the spread of sexually transmitted infections and lead to child prostitution (Minor et al., 2016). Moreover, the child can learn the dangers of engaging in irresponsible sexual behaviors and expressing empathy and tolerance to other people.
Transmitting sexual pictures or texting is considered illegal in different countries and they have even formulated various legislations on the same. Sharing of nude photographs and messages to individuals below 18 years, the age of consent, is a crime punishable by law. (Minor et al., 2016). It is therefore important for every person in society to refrain from sharing sexual pictures in any platform to not only promote sanity in the community but also limit development of immoral behaviors among the young generation.
Natural sexual behavior has no standard definition as different societies have different views on sexuality. Different perceptions have been given on sexuality with media playing a significant role on influencing the sexual behavior of individuals. Furthermore, legislations such as Communication Decency Act were enacted to control the accessibility and spread of sexual content over the media or among different people.
References
Minor, A. D. (2016). Sexting Prosecutions: Teenagers and Child Pornography Laws. Howard LJ, 60, 309.
Schnabel, L. (2016). Gender and homosexuality attitudes across religious groups from the 1970s to 2014: Similarity, distinction, and adaptation. Social Science Research, 55, 31-47.
Yarber, W.L., & Sayad, B. W. (2016). Human sexuality: Diversity in contemporary America (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. (ISBN: 9780077861940)