Why is it that American teenagers are so interested in sex, whether it is partaking in some form of sexual activity, or just being intrigued by sex in general? Sex is clearly something on everyone’s minds and lips. Over the years, the taboo around the word has gradually diminished to the point where today, sex is everywhere, widely publicized by each and every form of media. One cannot open a magazine or turn on the television without seeing a scantily clad woman or testosterone packed man. What’s more, is that sex, in some form or another, is most commonly visible and prominently directed toward teens. An obvious example of this is MTV, in shows like Laguna Beach or the Real World. The issue most focused on and dramatized in the current season of the Real World is without a doubt, who is sleeping with whom.

For many parents of teenagers today, the 1960s were a time of peace, love, and drugs, where young people broke from the conservative lifestyle of their parents and became more free in their thinking. Since then, the culture of sex has exploded, leaving teens with considerable knowledge of sex and perhaps a greater desire to partake in it at a younger age. These parents often react to the development of their children in one of two ways. They may choose to forget about strict guidelines and allow their children to experience these things on their own, as they did in their youth, or, in order to prevent teens from making the same mistakes that they did, they crack down on rules designed to shield their kids.

As is often the case, this form of protection doesn’t have much of an effect because sooner or later, teenagers will be exposed to the exact things that their parents don’t want them to be a part of. Additionally, rebellion can become an appealing option when teenagers grow anxious and must escape from the demands of overbearing parents. At this point, sex may appear as a fun alternative.

The overwhelming prevalence of sex in the media coupled with raging hormones causes sex to be a part of everyday discussion for teens. Whether they’re ready or not, some teenagers choose to have sex, and of course, relate the experience back to their friends. Young people inevitably want to do what their friends are doing, and in this way, the casual air with which sex is discussed makes it more common for today’s teens.

Sexual intercourse itself is not the only way the values of teens have become looser. There are many alternatives people partake in to fulfill their sexual desires. The popularity of oral sex has greatly increased in recent years. Some teens don’t consider oral sex to be sex at all, but when the word sex is in the title, this fact can’t be denied. Although oral sex is an option in which conception is not a possibility, the act does not necessarily occur without consequence. There is still the distinct threat of obtaining an STD.

Regardless of consequence, these types of activities are popular among teenagers and frankly provide them with something to do. For some teens, when no good movies are at the theater and another visit to the mall is simply out of the question, they unwisely turn to sex. The increasing frequency at which teenagers are participating in drug and alcohol use also contributes to the sex factor. Party situations become likely places for friends or mere acquaintances to become engaged in risky and inhibited sexual activity.

Due to the media and other contributing factors, sex is definitely more visible. It is discussed as well as participated in by today’s teens. Every year, sexual morality appears to be decreasing while promiscuity becomes more and more frequent. Is there a point when this will become out of hand, turning America into a “Brave New World?”