ABSTRACT
Regulation of broadcast indecency rests on the assumption that exposing children to foul language is harmful. The government, through the Federal Communications Commission, uses the assumption to argue that it must assist parents in the job of protecting their kids. Years of social research suggests that the effects from mass media messages can range from very small to very large. The field of abnormal psychology emphasizes biological and psychosocial causes in the study of sexual dysfunction in adulthood. Under psychosocial causes, sexual dysfunction can occur from lack of exposure to sexual matters—a condition that can lead to unhealthy inhibitions. Society can lead an individual to think of sex as “dirty” based upon prohibitions of certain conduct: Society can also foster ignorance and myths about standards of sexual performance and ability.
