Abstract

Television programs continue to play a significant role in a teenager's life as they become involved in dating relationships. Adolescence is a pivotal period of life. Teenagers' usage of media, especially television, provides a source of norms and scripts of what a relationship looks like. The portrayals of sexual content in teen programs has become a source of sexual information instead of parents and peers. Many parents are unaware of the sexual content teen programs deliver to their audiences. This study analyzes how teen dramas create expectations through their portrayal of relationships and intimacy on television. Five teen television programs were gathered to analyze the frequency of sexual behaviors depicted to a teen audience. This study investigates the ages, genders, types of relationships, and sexual behaviors shown and implied. The findings show all five programs consisted of high amounts of sexual behavior throughout their first seasons, which suggest that the entertainment industry for teen viewers is a powerful tool that plays a significant role in a teenager's sexual socialization.

Degree

College and Department

Fine Arts and Communications; Communications

Rights

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