Sex and Nudity on Television

Nowadays, sex and nudity have become regular ingredients of the television programs. Sex scenes and nudity seem to be broadcasted more freely. Programs such as drama, talk shows, reality shows, commercials and other entertainment based programs often contain these two elements. The first part of this essay focuses on how sex and nudity became a trend in television programming. The second part focuses on how sex and nudity in television are said to be bad influences to our society especially teenagers. The last part of the essay explains how ratings and parental control are believed to be the solutions of these problems.

Many researches found that “sex sells” on television. Many TV commercials began to offer the promise of “sexual experience” if you buy the sponsor’s product. Take Paris Hilton for instance. Her 30- second appearance in a Carl’s Jr. “That’s Hot” spicy BBQ burger campaign is turning heads. Wearing a revealing swimsuit, she seductively washes a black Bentley automobile. In the middle, Paris pulls out a hefty Carl's Jr. Hamburger which she intensely devours on camera. This commercial is intended for adolescent male as target audience.

There are many other surveys that have been carried out in order to once again prove that “sex really sells” on television. These surveys have shown that not only are parents increasingly concerned about how exposure to sexual content is affecting their children, but even adults are turned-off by the excessive sex on TV. It seems that the major broadcast networks are learning that with respect to sexual content at least, less is more. Some of the major networks are replacing programs which contain too much sex and nudity contents with more family-friendly offerings. The trend is changing. The most watched television programs today are those programs about families, for family audiences. The broadcast networks are concentrating more on dramas and comedies about moms, dads and their kids. Finally, it has come to a conclusion which is “sex doesn’t necessarily sell after all”.

A RAND psychologist, Rebecca Collins stated that “sexual contents of television programming encourage adolescents to initiate sexual intercourse and other sexual activities”. The study found that youths who watch large amounts of TV with sexual content are more likely to initiate sexual activities other than intercourse, such as making out and oral sex. Researches from RAND Health found that television shows that included only talk about sex had just much impact on adolescent behavior as shows that depicted sexual behavior.

On a positive note, the study also found that one group of African American youth that watched more depictions of sexual risks or safety measures was likely to begin engaging in sexual intercourse in the subsequent year.

Television target audiences are very wide. Therefore, it is slightly impossible to control the viewers. For example, it is very difficult to specify which group of audience is viewing what programs at what time. In my opinion, including sexual contents in television programs should not be a problem if used for the right purposes, such as talk shows or for educational purposes. Besides, sex has become one of the most talked social issues nowadays. People today have different perspective of the way they see things. They have more matured point of view. For example, in Indonesia, a kissing scene was considered obscene and unaccepted. Today, a kissing scene has become a usual thing. I believe that the major influence comes from the western culture which dominates all other cultures around the world. Although it is still tolerable to include sexual contents in television programming, the timing of screening has to be highly considered since it is not suitable for under aged viewing. For instance, television programs which are not suitable for children should not be screened during weekends when children stay home. This time is best for family-based programs.

Television programming that included sex and nudity contents might influence teenagers and could possibly