Results of a study released today attempt to link “degrading” song lyrics to teenage sexual activity. Unfortunately for music geeks everywhere, the study proved what many already knew: iPods and big record collections probably will not get you laid–no matter what Nick Hornby says.
In the study, “degrading” basically applies to any song that glorifies casual sex, criminal sexual behavior, violence, unprotected sex or other irresponsible action of the sort.
Researchers involved in the study picked a group of over 700 Pittsburgh area ninth-graders and surveyed them regarding their musical tastes and degree sexual activity.
You can read the entire article here if you want to, but the gist of the story is that after reviewing hundreds of popular songs and their apparently explicit lyrics, researchers have concluded that, “people who are exposed to certain messages in music are more likely to copy or emulate what they hear.”
Seems like a pretty vague conclusion, doesn’t it?
According to the study, kids who listened to music labeled “degrading” were almost twice as likely to be sexually active. However, researchers admit there is really no way to prove whether music influenced kids’ behavior, or behavior influenced kids’ musical preferences (i.e. whether teens had sex because of the music, or whether sexually active teens sought out music with explicit lyrics).
Perhaps the researchers were hoping for something more sensational that would prove that kids with iPods are more likely to have sex, or that T.I. and Lil Wayne album sales are linked to teenage pregnancy rates or something.
Unfortunately, the study failed to prove anything that interesting.
On a related note, Jamaican officials have just announced a plan to ban sex and violence in music, movies and television. However, teaching people to talk about these issues may be a better solution.
Do you think violent or sexually suggestive music influences kids’ behavior?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think.
ALYX says...
02.24.09 6:04 pm
I THINK KIDS SHOULD HAVE IPODS BECAUSE IT GIVES THEM TONES AND WEITHER THEY HAVE IPODS R NOT THEY WILL STILL HEAR MUSIC LIKE THAT IN STORES RESTURAUNTS AND AT THE MALL SO IT DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERANCE.
sandra says...
02.25.09 1:55 am
Your article prints it clearly “the study showed that almost twice as much kids are likely to be sexually active ” when they hear these lyrics. What is the argument?!!?!!??!! I also agree with the article that communication with children (or people in general) is the key to successfull living. When I say communication I mean also listening; a conversation where each person takes a turn at voicing their opinion/s Its easear between two individuals, specially if the the conversation is sex, violence, aggresion, degrading song lyrics and such. Got it?I Like your writing but you are defending the degredation of the music/music lyrics.