Popular magazines contain a range of sexually related articles—from excellent information about self-help and relationship skills to articles that promote stereotypical gender roles, body-image insecurity, superficiality, and manipulation in relationships (Markle, 2008; Menard &
Kleinplatz, 2008). On the positive side, a study of sexual health behaviors and magazine reading among college students found that more frequent reading of mainstream magazines was associated with more consistent use of contraceptives and with greater sexual health knowledge and safe — sex behaviors (Walsh & Ward, 2010). Further, articles about sexual interaction may provide positive support for sexual exploration and assertiveness; such an article in Cosmopolitan encouraged its readers to stimulate their clitoris during intercourse to enhance arousal and help them experience orgasm.
Conversely, articles like “Do You Make Men M-E-L-T?" may reinforce gender-role stereotypes and performance pressure and overemphasize techniques (Menard & Klein — platz, 2008). Ubiquitous information telling readers how to make themselves prettier, skinnier, and sexier (“Boy Magnet Beauty" and “Untamed Va-jay-jays") may contribute to body-image insecurity (Moore, 2010). Magazines designed for young men often emphasize two themes: information about “what women want" and how to promote
“kinky" sexual variety with partners (Taylor, 2005). Critical Thinking Question