“Teenage decisions about sexuality are influenced by complex, intertwined factors such as love, substance abuse, poverty, family, sexual abuse, racism and religion.”

—Photojournalist Dan Habib in his 1995 traveling lecture, “Teen Sexuality in a Culture of Confusion”

Sex is a pervasive theme in American culture. Television commercials regularly show sexualized images of men’s and women’s bodies with the implication that these sexy and desirable people will fulfill the viewers’ fantasies. Plots involving sexual pursuit and gratification are staples on television and in the movies. Music videos of all types emphasize sexual situations often with explicit language and imagery. These pop culture representations portray sex as casual, guilt-free, and the ultimate goal of every date or relationship. Teens—and adults—who continually see these portrayals of sexual encounters may come to believe that engaging in promiscuous and premarital...