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Wang, Yinhan; 2011, ‘Media Literacy Dossier: research review 6 (Brown,

Keller and Stern 2009), LSE Media Policy Project, April 12.

Full reference details of reviewed article:


Brown, J. D., Keller, S., & Stern, S. (2009). Sex, sexuality, sexting and sexed. The
Prevention Researcher, 16(4), 12-16.

Key arguments
- Adolescents’ use of media and the effects of sexual media content on
their sexuality vary widely by factors such as genders (boys and girls
have different preferences for content), race and sexual maturity (early
mature adolescents more likely to take interest in sexual media
content).
- Use of sexually explicit images by adolescents online may predict
unhealthy sexual behavior, according to several longitudinal studies.
- The Internet may provide space for adolescents to explore, experiment,
and assert aspects of their sexual identities, which can have functional
benefits to adolescents. Those who occupy a historically more
marginalized space, such as homosexual teens, and girls, may
particularly relish these opportunities.
- However, there are risks and safety concerns: user-generated contents
online may not give the best message about healthy sexual behaviors;
there are also concerns for self-objectification (of girls in particular),
unwanted sexual solicitation, and online victimization.
- New media can be a place where avid Internet-using adolescents seek
information on sex and sexual health. However, the possibility of them
encountering incredible information online, and turning away from other
helpful people in the offline lives are causes for concern.
- Computer-based programs and interventions that combine the use of
both new and old media may be cost-effective manners of providing
sexual health knowledge. Other interactive technologies such as
mobile phones, emails may also be employed to communicate
messages to adolescents.

Key implications for research and policymaking


- Most of the media content in both traditional and new media does not
lead to the promotion of healthy sexuality.
- Intervention efforts need to target its messages in terms of style,
content and communication channel according to the needs of specific
groups of adolescent audiences (e.g. ethnic backgrounds, sexual
experiences) in order to reach wider audience with more focused and
effective efforts.
- Parents and educators should have knowledge of websites that provide
credible sexual health information, so they can recommend and also
teach adolescents about assessing the credibility of information.

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