{{Short description|Sexually provocative material or action}} [[File:Refectory painting on the theme of Temptation by Lucas Cranach the Elder c.1520 (detail), Lutherhaus, Wittenberg.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|[[Refectory]] painting on the theme of [[Temptation]] by [[Lucas Cranach the Elder]] {{Circa|1520}} (detail), [[Lutherhaus]], [[Wittenberg]]. This decorates the end wall of one of the main university refectories. Whilst the painting is already sexually charged, the aspect which requires a second glance is the woman's pillow, which is in a form suggesting a [[vulva]] in a woman.]]
'''Sexual suggestiveness''' is visual, verbal, written, or behavioral material or action with sexual undertones that imply sexual intent, with the aim of provoking [[sexual arousal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2008/12/02/sexually-suggestive-content-youtube-knows-it-when-it-sees-it/ |title=Sexually suggestive content: YouTube knows it when it sees it |publisher=VentureBeat |date= 2008-12-03|access-date=2013-09-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexy |title=Sexy - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary |publisher=Merriam-webster.com |date=2012-08-31 |access-date=2013-09-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.episcopalmarlboro.org/DocsForRef/SafeChurchPolicy.pdf|title='Safe Church' sexual misconduct|publisher=Episcopalmarlboro.org|access-date=31 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426082438/http://www.episcopalmarlboro.org/DocsForRef/SafeChurchPolicy.pdf|archive-date=26 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZxVCHdCqOKYC&pg=PA40 |title=Grandma's Sex Handbook - Anne Wright - Google Books |date= February 2009|access-date=2013-09-07|isbn=9780578020754 |last1=Wright |first1=Anne |publisher=Intimate Press }}</ref>
There are variations in the perception and display of sexual suggestiveness, including but not limited to [[gender]], [[culture]] and [[generation]]. Different cultures and different generations have varying views on what is considered to be sexually suggestive. For example, in the majority of [[Western culture|Western cultures]], it is [[Modesty|normal]] for a woman to wear shorts and bare her legs on a hot, sunny day, but a woman with naked flesh exposed would be considered [[promiscuous]] in certain cultures around the world. In [[evolution]]ary terms, sexual suggestiveness is a mode from which sexual mates are gained. Therefore, the ability to use sexual suggestiveness effectively is a trait that is part of [[Sexual selection in humans|sexual selection]].
Displays of sexual suggestiveness can exhibit a diverse variety, such as depictions of attractive women in [[swimsuit]] advertising, [[Sexuality in music videos|sexually themed music]], [[sexting]], erotic [[lingerie]], or [[wolf whistling]].<ref>{{cite book|author=National Research Council |url=http://www.nap.edu/netsafekids/pp_whatis.html |title=What Is Pornography? |publisher=Nap.edu |access-date=2013-09-07|doi=10.17226/10261 |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-309-08274-7 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christian.org.uk/news/sexually-suggestive-ms-bus-advert-banned/ |title=Sexually suggestive M&S bus advert banned | News | The Christian Institute |publisher=Christian.org.uk |date=2011-12-07 |access-date=2013-09-07}}</ref><ref name="crisisinterventioncenter">{{cite web|url=http://www.crisisinterventioncenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147:what-is-sexting&catid=39:teens&Itemid=79|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126151309/http://www.crisisinterventioncenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147:what-is-sexting&catid=39:teens&Itemid=79 |archive-date=2012-01-26 |url-status=dead|title=What is Sexting|access-date=2014-02-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Brain Potentials to Sexually Suggestive Whistles Show Meaning Modulates the Mismatch Negativity |journal=NeuroReport |volume=16 |issue=12 |pages=1313–1317 |pmc=1361366 |date=2013-03-25 |last1=Frangos |first1=J |last2=Ritter |first2=W |last3=Friedman |first3=D |pmid=16056131 |doi=10.1097/01.wnr.0000175619.23807.b7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HHQDbNk0v94C&pg=PA299 |title=Popular Music: The rock era - Google Books |access-date=2013-09-07|isbn=9780415332682 |year=2004 |last1=Frith |first1=Simon |publisher=Psychology Press }}</ref> Sexual suggestiveness may also involve [[nudity]], or the exposure of the [[Nipple|nipples]], [[Sex organ|genitals]], [[buttocks]] or other [[taboo]] areas of the body.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketingcharts.com/interactive/one-in-five-teens-sends-sexually-explicit-images-7416/ |title=One in Five Teens Sends Sexually Explicit Images |publisher=Marketingcharts.com |date=2009-01-06 |access-date=2013-09-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ESeO4E-ffKsC&pg=PA215 |title=Family Life Education: Principles and Practices for Effective Outreach - Stephen F. Duncan, H. Wallace Goddard - Google Books |date=2010-08-27 |access-date=2013-09-07|isbn=9781412979085 |last1=Duncan |first1=Stephen F. |last2=Wallace Goddard |first2=H. |publisher=SAGE Publications }}</ref> Even a [[brand]] name or phrase can be considered to be sexually suggestive if it has strong sexual connotations or undertones.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.harpers.co.uk/news/news-headlines/11304-stiffys-vodka-ruled-irresponsible-over-sexually-suggestive-name.html |title=Stiffy's vodka ruled irresponsible over sexually suggestive name |publisher=Harpers.co.uk |date=2011-11-08 |access-date=2013-09-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528214431/http://www.harpers.co.uk/news/news-headlines/11304-stiffys-vodka-ruled-irresponsible-over-sexually-suggestive-name.html |archive-date=2012-05-28 }}</ref>
In some cases, displays of sexual suggestiveness may be [[Misinterpretation|misinterpreted]], which may lead to dangerous or harmful situations.
==Evolutionary perspective==
From an evolutionary point of view, sexual suggestiveness evolved in order to aid in securing a [[sexual partner]] or mate. Once the individual has decided on a mate to pursue, sexual suggestiveness helps in attracting the mate; this is a skill which has been sexually selected ([[sexual selection]]) for during evolution. Sexually suggestive behaviors include things such as "showing more skin" and [[flirting]]. Both of these examples are behaviors which the individual would intentionally display. There is also research to suggest that sexually suggestive behaviors may not always be deliberate.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Haselton M. G., Mortezaie M., Pillsworth E. G., Bleske-Rechek A., Frederick D. A. | year = 2007 | title = Ovulatory shifts in human female ornamentation: Near ovulation, women dress to impress | journal = Hormones and Behavior | volume = 51 | issue = 1| pages = 40–45 | doi=10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.07.007 | pmid=17045994| s2cid = 9268718 }}</ref> Unbeknownst to the individual, factors such as the [[menstrual cycle]], [[Vocal range|voice pitch]] and rate of money spending can all have an effect on sexual success and sexually suggestive behavior. For example, when women were in the workplace and [[ovulation|ovulating]], they were more likely to engage in sexually suggestive behaviors, e.g., showing more skin; further, women who work as [[Lap dance|lap dancers]] earn more money when they are in the [[Ovulation|ovulating]] stage. This may be because the female unwittingly behaves in a more sexual way and therefore puts out more sexually suggestive cues.<ref name="Frederick, D. A. 2010">{{cite journal | author = Gallup Jr G. G., Frederick D. A. | s2cid = 55031962 | year = 2010 | title = The science of sex appeal: An evolutionary perspective | journal = Review of General Psychology | volume = 14 | issue = 3| page = 240 | doi=10.1037/a0020451}}</ref> There is not, however, any evidence to show that these women are aware that their actions or earnings are intrinsically linked to their menstrual cycle.{{cn|date=January 2023}}
== 21st century==
The rise of the [[Mass media|media]], [[advertising]] and [[Film industry|film industries]], as well as the growth of the [[Fashion|fashion industry]], are all contributing factors to increase sexually suggestive content in an everyday setting. There are far more displays of sexually suggestive behavior in modern-day life than there ever has been before and not just within advertising. The idea that [[sex sells]] is evident in many aspects of daily modern life, particularly within [[social media]] and film where female [[Biological ornament|sexual ornaments]] are a focal point. For example, many films include additional [[Sexual content in film|sex scenes]] and sexually suggestive female characters regardless of the film's narrative.<ref>Benshoff, H. M., & Griffin, S. (2011). America on film: Representing race, class, gender, and sexuality at the movies. John Wiley & Sons.</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Barlow D. H. | year = 1986 | title = Causes of sexual dysfunction: The role of anxiety and cognitive interference | journal = Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology | volume = 54 | issue = 2| pages = 140–148 | doi=10.1037/0022-006x.54.2.140| pmid = 3700800 }}</ref>
The progression of the Internet and social media means that [[sexual content]] is far more available and accessible in the 21st century than ever before. This has a [[Unintended consequences|knock-on effect]] on people's [[sexualization]] and [[sexual behavior]]. [[Child sexuality|Children's sexuality]] develops at an earlier age if they have been exposed to more sexual content when young. For example, young adolescents engage in more sexual behaviors if they have been exposed to more sexual content in the media or on television.<ref>Lenhart, A. (2009). Teens and Sexting: How and why minor teens are sending sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images via text messaging.{{hdl|11212/2060}}</ref><ref>Strasburger, V. C. (1995). Adolescents and the media: medical and psychological impact. Sage Publications, Inc.</ref> On average, females become [[puberty|pubescent]] earlier in their development if they have been exposed to sexual content or sexual behavior.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Ward L. M., Rivadeneyra R. | year = 1999 | title = Contributions of entertainment television to adolescents' sexual attitudes and expectations: The role of viewing amount versus viewer involvement | journal = Journal of Sex Research | volume = 36 | issue = 3| pages = 237–249 | doi=10.1080/00224499909551994}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Brown J. D. | year = 2002 | title = Mass media influences on sexuality | journal = Journal of Sex Research | volume = 39 | issue = 1| pages = 42–45 | doi=10.1080/00224490209552118 | pmid=12476255| s2cid = 6342646 }}</ref> Most psychologists agree that this physical display of sexuality is due to evolutionary reasons and that girls develop their sexuality (e.g., behaving sexually suggestively) at an earlier age in order to [[sexual competition|sexually compete]] with other women and [[reproductive success|successfully reproduce]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Malamuth N. M. | year = 1996 | title = Sexually explicit media, gender differences, and evolutionary theory | journal = Journal of Communication | volume = 46 | issue = 3| pages = 8–31 | doi=10.1111/j.1460-2466.1996.tb01486.x}}</ref><ref>Harris, R. J., & Scott, C. L. (Eds.) (2002). Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc.</ref>
==Misinterpretation==
The increase in sexual content in modern society often results in a more nonchalant approach to sexually suggestive behavior. People, predominantly women, often act in a way that they themselves do not consider to be sexually suggestive but which can be misinterpreted by others.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Stockdale M. S. | year = 1993 | title = The Role of Sexual Misperceptions of Women′ s Friendliness in an Emerging Theory of Sexual Harassment | journal = Journal of Vocational Behavior | volume = 42 | issue = 1| pages = 84–101 | doi=10.1006/jvbe.1993.1006}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Synovitz L. B., Byrne T. J. | year = 1998 | title = Antecedents of sexual victimization: Factors discriminating victims from non-victims | journal = Journal of American College Health | volume = 46 | issue = 4| pages = 151–158 | doi=10.1080/07448489809595602| pmid = 9519576 }}</ref> For example, wearing clothes or skirts/shorts that show skin is not something that most Western women would consider to be overtly provocative, but it is still regarded as sexually suggestive by others. Misconstruing people's behaviour can have disastrous consequences, contributing to [[harassment]] and [[rape culture]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Thornhill R., Thornhill N. W. | year = 1983 | title = Human rape: An evolutionary analysis | journal = Ethology and Sociobiology | volume = 4 | issue = 3| pages = 137–173 | doi=10.1016/0162-3095(83)90027-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Koukounas E., Letch N. M. | year = 2001 | title = Psychological correlates of perception of sexual intent in women | journal = The Journal of Social Psychology | volume = 141 | issue = 4| pages = 443–456 | doi=10.1080/00224540109600564| pmid = 11577845 | s2cid = 28096379 }}</ref>
[[Evolutionary psychology]] explains that this misinterpretation is the result of [[sexual selection]]. Men have adapted through sexual selection to have the maximum number of offspring possible, and therefore exhibit certain behaviors that facilitate maximum reproduction. Men perceive sexually suggestive behavior and other sexual cues, including [[biological ornament]]s, as signs of reproductive ability and willingness.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Clutton-Brock T | year = 2007 | title = Sexual selection in males and females | journal = Science | volume = 318 | issue = 5858| pages = 1882–1885 | doi=10.1126/science.1133311 | pmid=18096798| bibcode = 2007Sci...318.1882C | s2cid = 6883765 }}</ref> The [[hypothesis]] of [[rape]] as an [[adaption]] states that the rape of reproductive-age females was favoured by [[directional selection|direct selection]] in order to increase the chance of [[reproductive success]].<ref>Thornhill, R., & Palmer, C. T. (2001). A Natural History of Rape. MIT press.</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Palmer C. T. | year = 1991 | title = Human rape: Adaptation or by-product? | journal = Journal of Sex Research | volume = 28 | issue = 3| pages = 365–386 | doi=10.1080/00224499109551614}}</ref> Sexually suggestive behavior and biological ornamentation are signs of [[sexual maturity]] and thus females who display more of these behaviors, or who have more obvious ornamentation, are more likely to be at a higher risk of harassment, or even rape.<ref>{{cite journal | author = McKibbin W. F., Shackelford T. K., Goetz A. T., Starratt V. G. | s2cid = 804014 | year = 2008 | title = Why do men rape? An evolutionary psychological perspective | journal = Review of General Psychology | volume = 12 | issue = 1| page = 86 | doi=10.1037/1089-2680.12.1.86}}</ref> This evolutionary explanation also extends to women. At their most fertile stage in their [[menstrual cycle]], during [[estrus]], women are far less likely to engage in risk taking behaviors such as walking alone late at night, than women who are in the least fertile stage of their menstrual cycle, the [[menstrual cycle|luteal phase]] or women using [[hormonal contraception]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Chavanne T. J., Gallup G. G. | year = 1998 | title = Variation in risk taking behavior among female college students as a function of the menstrual cycle | journal = Evolution and Human Behavior | volume = 19 | issue = 1| pages = 27–32 | doi=10.1016/s1090-5138(98)00016-6}}</ref> This is because women who are in the luteal phase or women using a hormonal contraceptive are much less likely to become pregnant after sexual intercourse than estrus women are.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Gangestad S. W., Thornhill R. | year = 2008 | title = Human oestrus | journal = Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences | volume = 275 | issue = 1638| pages = 991–1000 | doi=10.1098/rspb.2007.1425 | pmid=18252670 | pmc=2394562}}</ref>
These evolutionary explanations serve only to increase the psychological understanding of sexual behaviors. Sexual suggestiveness, rape, and all other sexual behaviors, are evidenced to be products of past evolution. In the case of rape, however, just because some evidence indicates that it may be natural does not make it acceptable.<ref>Thornhill, R., & Palmer, C. T. (2000). A Natural History of Rape. MIT Press.</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Thornhill R | year = 1998 | title = Biology of Human Rape, The | journal = Jurimetrics | volume = 39 | page = 137 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Thornhill R., Palmer C. T. | year = 2002 | title = Rape and evolution: a reply to our critics | journal = Psychology, Evolution & Gender | volume = 4 | issue = 3| pages = 283–296 | doi=10.1080/14616661.2002.10383129}}</ref>
== Flirting == {{main article|Flirting}} [[Flirting]] can be sexually suggestive, which can intentionally elicit a [[sexual arousal|sexual response]] from another person.<ref name=Henni2004 /> Research has identified different motivations for engaging in flirting behaviors. There is flirting with a sexual motivation, which is done with a view to engaging in [[human sexual activity]] and there is also flirting with a fun motivation, in which the interaction itself is the pleasurable part.<ref name=Henni2004 /> An instrumental motivation of flirting behavior is flirting performed in order to accomplish an instrumental goal, such as getting someone to buy you a drink. However, flirting can sometimes lead to unintentional responses. If the motivation behind sexually suggestive behavior is misinterpreted or miscommunicated, then a sexual response could be elicited where it is not wanted. If escalated, this can lead to [[sexual harassment]] in the workplace or sexual coercion in a relationship.<ref name=Rich1999 /> In line with evolutionary explanations of sexually suggestive behavior, research has shown that women are more likely to consider the use of flirting as being for relational purposes, and males are more likely to interpret female flirting as having a sexual motivation.<ref name=Henni2004>{{cite journal | author = Henningsen D. D. | year = 2004 | title = Flirting with Meaning: An Examination of Miscommunication in Flirting Interactions | journal = Sex Roles | volume = 50 | issue = 7| pages = 481–489 | doi=10.1023/b:sers.0000023068.49352.4b| s2cid = 143077407 }}</ref><ref name=Rich1999>{{cite journal | author = Richman J. A. | display-authors = etal | year = 1999 | title = Sexual Harassment and Generalized Workplace Abuse Among University Employees: Prevalence and Mental Health Correlates | journal = American Journal of Public Health| volume = 89 | issue = 3| pages = 358–363 | doi=10.2105/ajph.89.3.358| pmid = 10076485 | pmc = 1508597 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
==Gender differences==
There are some reported gender differences between how sexual suggestiveness is perceived. Males and females have different thresholds for the perception of sexual suggestiveness or intent. Males are, in general, more sexually occupied than females.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} To support this assumption, research shows that males perceive people as more interested in a sexual encounter than females do.<ref>Shotland, R. L., & Craig, J. M. (1988). Can men and women differentiate between friendly and sexually interested behavior?. Social Psychology Quarterly, 66-73.</ref> It has also been suggested that males find it difficult to differentiate between [[Like#As a verb|liking]], [[love]] and sexual intent, and in this case sexual suggestiveness. Unfortunately, this difficulty in separation between the two from the male's point of view may lead to rape or other [[sexual assault]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}} During the evolution of [[human sexuality]], the fact that females are the choosy gender meant that males who were able to quickly detect a female's willingness were the males who passed along their [[genes]] effectively. In light of this, males, therefore, tend to read sexual acceptance signals in friendly actions even when this may not be the females intention.<ref>Thornhill, R., & Palmer, C. T. (2000). Why men rape. ''The Sciences'', 40(1), 30-36. Chicago</ref> Females are, however, better at reading platonic signals from the opposite sex and at differentiating between liking, loving and sexual suggestiveness.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Abbey A | year = 1982 | title = Sex Differences in Attributions for Friendly Behavior: Do Males Misperceive Females' Friendliness? | journal = Journal of Personality and Social Psychology | volume = 42 | issue = 5| pages = 830–38 | doi=10.1037/0022-3514.42.5.830}}</ref>
There are also gender differences between how sexual suggestiveness is displayed via flirting. Recent research has shown that females are more likely than males to flirt with the intention of developing a new relationship,<ref>{{cite journal | author = Messman S. J., Canary D. J., Hause R. S. | year = 2000 | title = Motives to remain platonic, equity and the use of maintenance strategies in opposite sex friendships | journal = Journal of Social and Personal Relationships | volume = 17 | pages = 67–94 | doi=10.1177/0265407500171004| s2cid = 145745343 }}</ref> or with the intention of intensifying an existing relationship.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Downey J. L., Damhave K. W. | year = 1991 | title = The effect of place, type of comment and effort expended on the perception of flirtation | journal = Journal of Social Behavior and Personality | volume = 6 | pages = 35–43 }}</ref> It has also been found that females use flirting as a way of assessing the interest of a potential mate; as the end result is sexual activity, it can be inferred that this is a sexually suggestive act.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Moore M. M., Butler D. I. | year = 1989 | title = Predictive aspects of non-verbal courtship behavior in women | journal = Semiotica | volume = 76 | issue = 3–4| pages = 205–215 | doi=10.1515/semi.1989.76.3-4.205| s2cid = 144916891 }}</ref> On the other hand, a variety of different researchers have found that males are significantly more sexually motivated in their displays of sexual suggestiveness (such as flirting) than females.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Henningsen D. D. | year = 2004 | title = Flirting with meaning: An examination of miscommunication in flirting interactions | journal = Sex Roles | volume = 50 | issue = 7–8| pages = 481–489 | doi=10.1023/b:sers.0000023068.49352.4b| s2cid = 143077407 }}</ref> The research done by Clark and Hatfield (1989)<ref>{{cite journal | author = Clark R. D., Hatfield E. | year = 1989 | title = Gender differences in awareness of courtship initiation tactics | journal = Sex Roles | volume = 32 | issue = 11–12 | pages = 717–734 | doi = 10.1007/BF01560186 | s2cid = 143945877 }}</ref> supports these assumptions by clearly suggesting that female courtship is motivated by relationship development and that male courtship is motivated by sexual desire. It is these gender differences that can explain the potential miscommunication of social actions.
==Cultural differences==
Since the 1990s, there has been a dramatic increase in the understanding of [[human sexuality]] from an [[evolutionary psychology|evolutionary perspective]].<ref>Buss, D. (2015). Evolutionary psychology: The new science of the mind. Psychology Press.</ref> Evolutionary theory proposes that humans all behave in the same way, in order to maximise survival and [[reproductive success]].<ref name="Frederick, D. A. 2010"/> However, as with much of human behavior, there are substantial differences in the sexual suggestiveness of people from different cultures. What may be a culturally appropriate display of 'sexiness' in one culture may be considered inappropriate in another, and vice versa.<ref name="Frederick, D. A. 2010"/> For example, in many Westernized cultures, women displaying their bare legs in public is considered to be a relatively unassuming display of suggestiveness, while in many African societies, for example, the same behavior would be considered immodest. It can be argued that religion is a significant factor in the cultural differences of sexual suggestiveness, especially with regards to what displays of suggestiveness are considered appropriate.<ref>Melman, B. (2016). Women’s Orients: English Women and the Middle East, 1718–1918: Sexuality, Religion and Work. Springer.</ref> In particular, some [[Christianity|Christian]] and [[Islam|Muslim]] communities are more strict on what levels of suggestiveness are appropriate for unmarried young women.
==In the media ==
===General=== A considerable amount of research has concluded that sexually suggestive content is pervasive in the media. The most common type of sexually suggestive content in adolescent programming is in the form of a sexual [[innuendo]]. Sexual innuendoes give a suggestive alternative meaning to an otherwise neutral phrase. For example, the use of the phrase "bend over backwards" when describing a colleague, in the sitcom ''[[How I Met Your Mother]]'', is used by the main character Barney to imply something in both a figurative sense (i.e. that she is willing to work hard) and a suggestive sense (alluding to her flexibility in sexual positions). Content analyses of sexual behavior in the media found that sexual content on television has risen from 45% in 1975 to 81% now.<ref name=kunkel1999>Kunkel, D., Cope, K., Farinola, W., Biely, E., Rollin, E., & [[Donnerstein, E.]] (1999). Sex on TE.' A biennial report to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 2001. Menlo Park, CA: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.</ref> 83% of all programs on television contain sexual content.<ref name=pardun2005>{{cite journal | author = Pardun C.J., L'Engle K.L., Brown J.D. | year = 2005 | title = Linking exposure to outcomes: Early adolescents' consumption of sexual content in six media | journal = Mass Communication & Society | volume = 8 | issue = 2| pages = 75–91 | doi=10.1207/s15327825mcs0802_1| s2cid = 33425569 }}</ref><ref name=collins2004>{{cite journal | author = Collins R.L., Elliott M. N., Berry S. H. | display-authors = etal | year = 2004 | title = Watching sex on television predicts adolescent initiation of sexual Behavior | url = http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/114/3/e280 | journal = Pediatrics | volume = 114 | issue = 3| pages = e280-9 | doi=10.1542/peds.2003-1065-l | pmid=15342887| doi-access = free | url-access = subscription }}</ref> 80% of programs contain sexually suggestive references, and 49% of shows contain sexual behavior which include flirting.<ref name=kunkel1999 /> Sexual innuendoes occur as much as twice per program in popular American sitcoms, whilst flirting occurred at least once per programme.<ref name=pardun2005 /> The use of sexual innuendoes in the media is also done through newspapers, magazines and music, and accounts for roughly 12% of the entire sexual content shown in the media overall.<ref name=pardun2005 /> Analysis of sexually suggestive behavior in sports media showed that there was considerable gender differences in how sports stars are portrayed visually.<ref name=clavio2011>{{cite journal | author = Clavio G., Eagleman A. N. | year = 2011 | title = Gender and Sexually Suggestive Images in Sports Blogs | journal = Journal of Sport Management | volume = 7 | issue = 4| pages = 295–304 | doi = 10.1123/jsm.25.4.295 }}</ref> For example, women are photographed nude more frequently than men, and were photographed in a ''hetero-sexy'' manner which was done to attract the [[male gaze]], such as with sports equipment covering their genitalia due to its suggestive nature.<ref name=clavio2011 /> Overall, women are portrayed in a manner that alludes to their status as a [[sex symbol]].
Sexual content in the form of innuendo, suggestive imagery and [[double entendre]] is used as a tool in advertising.<ref>Courtney, A., Whipple, T. (1983). Sex Stereotyping in Advertising (Lexington, MA: Heath)</ref> Suggestive advertising is used to draw in attention,<ref name=reichert2004>{{cite journal | author = Reichert T., Carpenter C. | year = 2004 | title = An update on sex in magazine advertising: 1983 to 2003 | journal = Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly | volume = 81 | issue = 4| pages = 823–837 | doi=10.1177/107769900408100407| s2cid = 145777787 }}</ref> by monopolizing attentional resources, and as a means of distinguishing their products from similar products which are usually advertised in the same medium (such as in the same magazine).<ref name=reichert2004 /> Furthermore, advertisers use sexually suggestive material to imply an association between their product and benefits which are in some way related to sex (such as mate attraction).<ref name=reichert2000>{{cite journal | author = Reichert T. Ramirez | year = 2000 | title = Defining Sexually Oriented Appeals in Advertising: a Grounded Theory Investigation | journal = Association for Consumer Research | volume = 27 | pages = 267–273 }}</ref> There was a significant increase in the amount of advertisements from 1983 to 2003 which used sexually suggestive images of models,<ref name=reichert2004 /> suggesting that advertisers are finding it beneficial. While the physical properties of the model are the most sexually suggestive, a number of non-verbal communicative features have also been identified as being provocative, such as the models pose (plumped lips, cocked head to show the neck) as well as verbal communicative features such as suggestive comments.<ref name=reichert2000 />
=== Effects === A number of studies have looked at the effects of sexual content in the media on [[preadolescent]] and [[adolescent]] sexual development. It has been put forth that watching a high level of television, in which there is a lot of sexually suggestive behavior, can lead to the initiation of [[sexual intercourse]] at a younger age than those who watch the least amount of sexually suggestive programming.<ref name=collins2004 /> In addition to this, adolescents who had been exposed to a high level of sexual content would engage in a level of sexual activity expected by those up to three years older who watched less sexual content.<ref name=collins2004 /> It has been suggested that, according to [[social learning theory]], television is a method by which children can acquire behaviors, through [[observational learning]],<ref>{{cite journal | author = Bandura A., Ross D., Ross S.A. | year = 1963 | title = Imitation of film-mediated aggressive models | journal = The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology| volume = 66 | pages = 3–11 | doi=10.1037/h0048687| pmid = 13966304 }}</ref> and that this is a potential method through which children are becoming increasingly [[Sexualization|sexualized]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Kim J. L., Sorsoli C. L., Collins K., Zylbergold B. A., Schooler D., Tolman D. L. | year = 2007 | title = From sex to sexuality: Exposing the heterosexual script on primetime network television | journal = Journal of Sex Research | volume = 44 | issue = 2| pages = 145–157 | doi=10.1080/00224490701263660 | pmid=17599272| s2cid = 45859683 }}</ref> [[Sexually transmitted infection]]s (STIs) and [[pregnancy]] in the U.S. are more common among adolescents who begin sexual activity earlier, demonstrating that earlier sexualization, for which sexually suggestive content in the media has been implicated, has far-reaching effects.<ref name=collins2004 />
Sexually suggestive content can also affect adolescents' views and attitudes towards sex, and their sexual socialization as whole. Research conducted with the [[cultivation theory]] in mind has found that there is an association between people with a high regular exposure to sexually oriented genres (such as [[soap operas]] and [[hip-hop music]]) and more liberal attitudes towards sexual behavior like the acceptance of [[premarital sex]], as well as non-relational sex and sexual harassment.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Ward L. M. | year = 2002 | title = Does television exposure affect emerging adults' attitudes and assumptions about sexual relationships? Correlational and experimental confirmation | journal = Journal of Youth and Adolescence | volume = 31 | pages = 1–15 | doi=10.1023/a:1014068031532| hdl = 2027.42/45292 | s2cid = 59490946 | hdl-access = free }}</ref> Furthermore, as sexual competence is portrayed as a positive attribute on television, particularly for males, regular exposure to sexual content can cause adolescents to form unrealistic expectations, and view their own sexual experiences (or lack thereof) as negative.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Ward L. M. | year = 2003 | title = Understanding the role of entertainment media in the sexual socialization of American youth: A review of empirical research | journal = Developmental Review | volume = 23 | issue = 3| pages = 347–388 | doi=10.1016/s0273-2297(03)00013-3}}</ref> Moreover, the vast majority of this sexual content alludes to the positive nature of sex only, suggesting that sexually suggestive behavior in the media is serving to perpetuate a view that there are little negative consequences of engaging in sexual activity. Research has shown that the effects of sexually suggestive references in the media are also moderated by the developmental stage of the viewer. For example, 12-year-olds have more difficulty correctly interpreting [[innuendos]] than 14-year-olds.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Silverman-Watkins L. T., Sprafkin J. N. | year = 1983 | title = Adolescents' comprehension of televised sexual innuendos | journal = Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology | volume = 4 | issue = 4| pages = 359–369 | doi=10.1016/0193-3973(83)90013-8}}</ref> Furthermore, [[Preadolescence|prepubescent]] adolescents often view sexual references on television with disgust and embarrassment, whereas [[Puberty|pubescent]] adolescents viewed it with interest.<ref>Brown, J. D., White, A. B., Nikipoulou, L. (1993). Disinterest, intrigue and resistance: Early adolescent girls’ use of sexual media content. In B. Greenberg, J. D. Brown, & N. Buerkel-Rothfuss (Eds.)., Media, sex, and the adolescent (pp 177-195). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton.</ref>
==See also== {{portal|Human sexuality}} *[[Antisexualism]] *[[Censorship]] *[[Index of human sexuality articles]] *[[Indecent exposure]] *[[Sexual ethics]] *[[Twerking]]
==References== '''Notes''' {{Reflist}}
{{sex|state=collapsed}}
[[Category:Sexual emotions]]