by Laura Guelfi

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: March 13, 2011

Live unbuttoned. I couldn't believe my eyes or my ears when I heard this slogan on a TV commercial for a popular blue jeans brand. In the commercial, a young, unmarried couple who know nothing about each other break into a random apartment to have sex. They proceed to remove their clothes, throw their jeans on the floor, and the closing line reads "Live unbuttoned." I realize that America as a whole has thrown morals and "old-fashioned" values to the dogs, but it is still appalling to witness such an outright promotion of promiscuity. I shudder to imagine how many teens and pre-teens have viewed that commercial and have been brainwashed into believing that it's OK to unbutton, unzip, and undress with anyone. In our promiscuous society, American youth are losing their virginity, not only due to explicit media messages, but also due to peer pressure and lack of supervision.

First of all, the media has played a prominent part in advancing the "do what feels good" message. Whether it be from TV, movies, music, Internet, books, or magazines, American youngsters are bombarded on a daily basis to practice what feels right. They are taught to focus on living in the moment and worry about the consequences later. The media portrays sex and promiscuity as a beautiful, natural thing, and moral boundaries are viewed as strict, unnecessary barriers to pleasure. American media has gotten so out of hand, though, that it's hard to turn on the TV or computer without viewing a promiscuous message. And our youth, in their naivety, fail to realize that the real world doesn't sparkle with Hollywood glitz and glamour. Real people who practice promiscuity will be faced with consequences such as STDs, pregnancy, and emotional problems, and that's the message that should be promoted and discussed.

In addition to the media, teens are also becoming more promiscuous due to peer pressure. Being influenced by friends is not a new trend to hit youth. Peer pressure has been around since Adam and Eve. But the increasing desire among youth to be popular and included has caused teens to do whatever it takes to be part of the "in" crowd. Friends are of utmost importance to teens, and many youth will give up their virginity just so they can "fit in" with their peers. It's sad that they don't comprehend that most of the friends they try so hard to impress will go MIA after graduation.

We've seen how the media and peer pressure have contributed to promiscuity among American youth, but a lack of supervision

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