What are mixed messages in the media about sex and drugs?
The mixed messages about sex and drugs, seen on TV and in movies and online, are huge. On TV and in movies, often people drink lots of alcohol but can still drive cars and keep from getting drunk. The consequences of alcohol use is not realistic. Alcohol use in the media is treated as something that is always OK, always fun, and rarely shows consequences like killing others driving while intoxicated. Sexual activity in the media is also not realistic. Rarely is any form of birth control shown or mentioned. Unplanned pregnancies are rarely seen. Yet in reality, preventing pregnancy is always something to be considered when men and women are sexual. Also, being sexual in the teens is considered normal, though the shows featuring teen characters are usually played by actors in their twenties. Abstaining from sex is not always considered an option even though many teens think about that option. Rarely are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) discussed when people are becoming sexual, tho
