There was an article posted on Washingtonpost.com recently about “sexting” and teens. It caught my eye because I hard heard about the “phenomenon” for the first time only recently. However, the article’s title said, “Sexting hasn’t reached most young teens, polls find”. Now, if you don’t know what “sexting” is, the article briefly explains that it is the act of sending or receiving nude or provocative photos/videos via cell phones. The article goes on to clarify that about 15% of adolescents under 18 have received such photos and videos on their cell phones. Donna St. George mentions some adults who have still expressed concern. Although the group involved is the minority, parents and others believe that this behavior can be risky and is important to address it. These pictures and other forms of media can be forwarded to large groups of people. There have been some big consequences, with some cases even leading to legal action.
This article was of interest to me because, although the article didn’t mention it, some television shows have recently referred to this phenomenon. For instance, on one episode of the show Glee, two characters provide there own definition for the term:
Santana – “Oh wake up! While you two were baby sitting, Puck and I were SEXTING”
Quinn – “Sexting?”
Santana – “Sexy texting. Seriously what era are you from? While Puck and you are playing house, Puck and I were trading super hot texts…”
In this situation the exchange was just between two individuals, so it would seem less related to Mass Media. However, in many situations the picture may be sent to one individual, but that person could end up forwarding the provocative shot to a large group of others. This can become an instance of Mass Media, blackmail, and extreme embarrassment.
In addition to this, the article (as a source of media itself) implies a couple things. First, the article’s title implies that the statistic, 15% of adolescents, is a small amount. It is true that it is not the majority; however, I believe the title is misleading because 15 percent could actually be considered a large number. Also, I think it’s important to consider the ideological message that the television show is sending. In the book Media Society, ideology is defined as beliefs that guide judgments on what is acceptable and not. In the television scene, Santana makes “sexting” sound like a cultural norm that everyone is participating in. This could be called “normalization”, which is when the media repeatedly exhibits certain behaviors or lifestyles. This causes them to be highlighted as normal and acceptable, while other types of people aren’t represented.
While the show Glee portrays “sexting” as very popular and normal, the article suggests that not many actual teenagers are involved in the issue in real life. So, this is something to consider…What do our television shows and other aspects of media say about us? How much of the media, or television, represent of reality?
What do you think?
Cristi
p.s. here is the link to the article http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/15/AR2009121502321.html?wprss=rss_technology/washtech
I don't think it's really as big a deal as the media makes it out to be. I mean, it's definitely something we don't really want kids doing, but what I mean is they're probably over-exaggerating the statistics, as measly as 15% is to begin with.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure kids still find ways of actually hooking up, since virtuality has a way of being a damper on a hot and heavy moment of passion.
Makes me wonder though, if kids are somehow safer via sexting rather than actual intercourse or what-have-you. The likelihood of STD transmission or even the bond built by physical intimacy would be slim, making not only kids healthier overall, but also less inclined to very painful breakups.
Nice thoughts, by the way.