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During adolescence stage, teenagers experience physical and psychological development that concerns their sexuality. Their bodies develop to be more matured, and it is also during this period that they become physically attracted to others. In addition, these changes prompt teenagers to ask many questions about their sexuality. Families, specifically the parents, are expected to be the first people to assist and guide teenagers during this period. However, it is a fact that not all parents or families are open to communicate about the topic of sex and relationships. Often times, these topics are not discussed as it is related to many subtopics that are deemed as sensitive and inappropriate to talk about (e.g., what is sex?). This is why some teenagers choose to search for answers on their own, and they do it with the help of new media, specifically the internet. According to Roberts, Foehr, & Rideout, teenagers in the United States spend six to seven hours per day using the media, which include the internet (qtd. in Brown, Keller, and Stern 12). An example resource that teenagers may find online is the website entitled lovetoknow. This website provides pieces of information on different aspects of sex and relationships. Although it serves as a form of education for adolescence in terms of sex, dating, and romantic love, it can also pose harm by unintentionally encouraging them to engage in sex at an early age.
First of all, the website lovetoknow can serve as a form of educational tool for teenagers who want to explore more about sex, dating, and romantic love – especially if they are having issues which they could not discuss with their parents or family members. For instance, part of the website is a section called Dating and Relationships. Opening this section would lead the user to different topics and discussions concerning relationship building and dating. One of the articles published under this section is entitled Dating Violence Statistics. If teenagers would be able to explore this specific page, they will be educated about the issue of dating violence. It is a fact that most teenagers would probably view dating as something positive, but with the pieces of information shared on this page, they will be aware that violence in dating is for real and that it can happen even to young couples. Gaining knowledge on this issue can potentially help them avoid it in the future or escape from it in case they are already victims. This can potentially impact their perspective by showing them another side, the potentially dark side, of dating and relationship.
However, education is not all that the lovetoknow website provides. Without adult guidance and if not properly understood, it may also encourage them to engage in early sexual activities, and this can pose more harm than good. For instance, another part of the website is called Sex and Dating, and various articles about sex can be explored here. An example article is entitled How to Have Romantic Sex. Although there are other articles in the website that discuss the dangers of unprotected sex and the benefits of having safe sex and abstinence, it is possible for teenagers to be directed to How to Have Romantic Sex. Without being properly educated about the risks associated with early sexual activities, this can be risky. According to the article, “A part of the reason romantic sex may be lacking in a relationship is that at least one party may not understand how important sex is for a couple's unity and general well-being” (Roberts, n.d.). This line, for instance, may make a 13 year-old teenager feel that sex is necessary and an integral part of relationship although he/she maybe too young for it. Therefore, such article may mislead teenagers and bring negative outcomes.
Overall, the website lovetoknow may help guide teenagers’ sexual development by providing them knowledge and insights about the topics and issues that they may be facing about sex, dating, and relationships. However, without proper guidance, it is possible for them to misinterpret some of the information, especially if these pieces of information are more applicable to adult relationships.
References
Brown, J., Keller, S., & Stern, S. (2008). Sex, sexuality, sexting, and sexed: Adolescents and the media. The Prevention, 16, 12-16.
Roberts, A. (n.d.).How to have romantic sex. Lovetoknow. Retrieved from http://dating.lovetoknow.com/Romantic_Sex
http://dating.lovetoknow.com/Dating_and_Sex
Info is inaccurate or misleading – 14
Slang terms may cause misleading – 14
May turn away from real people
