Celebrity Gossip: Sex Scandals and Your Teenager

Celebrity gossip; teenage fans in particular can't get enough of it, but how does the sexual element of celebrity news influence teen behavior? While most of what is reported is doubtful, and seen as such by the more mature audience, the antics of younger celebrities is often the catalyst for inappropriate behavior for teens and preteens everywhere, however, there are times when star sex issues can be useful tools to prompt self-exploration.

The media frenzy over young celebrities has such an influence on fans, that teenagers will often emulate them in every way. Fans can be seen dressing like their favorite celebrities, and some whose sexual identity has not yet developed, can be drawn to a lifestyle that is not necessarily in line with how they perceive themselves. Lindsay Lohan's openness about being gay may be seen as positive for many fans, despite what some parents might think. Lohan and former girlfriend Samantha stepping out on the town together may have helped some teenagers resolve inner conflict about homosexuality, and their anxieties about coming out.

The influence on preteens may be of more concern; pop idols like Miley Cyrus for example tend to grow up faster than usual when placed in the spotlight 24 hours of every day. Miley has been the target of criticism on several occasions recently, for posing in a seductive manner for various photo shoots. Miley Cyrus is only 16 years of age, and it is not out of the norm for any parent to view this behavior as inappropriate. It would seem that Miley may have more control over the parental decision making process than her parents do; her recent conduct is not acceptable behavior for any average teenager.

Once a celebrity chooses a life of fame, and spends most of their time in the public eye, they automatically have the power to influence the behavior of fans. Whether they like it or not, their every move is idolized and scrutinized by both the media and their loyal followers. Being a role model for young people may not have been on their hot-list of things to achieve, but because the media is renowned for exaggerating facts, and making false news reports to fill in the blanks, celebrities find themselves in the unenviable position of influencing thousands of young peoples' lives, and not always in the way they have intended.

Aside from trendy fashion ideas, my life and sexuality has not been greatly influenced by the media. My thoughts on sexuality have not been affected in anyway I would not like them to be, although a few short skirts in the past may have left some of my family members wondering about my private happenings. Dressing in clothes which are clearly too old for a teenager is commonplace when it is seen so much on television and in magazines; this could be misconstrued as being promiscuous, but in my case, the fads didn't last long, and my virginity outlasted the three or four new wardrobes full of Madonna garb.

One of the trends frowned upon by most parents, which can also be seen as something sexual in nature, is the practice of piercing one's tongue, nipples, and other areas of the body where pain would be at its peak. Rock stars are often portrayed by the media as being dirty, lazy drug taking hooligans whose life revolves around having sex with anyone who is willing. Tongue piercing is usually seen by most parents as a way to enhance oral sex, although motives for piercing vary from one person to the next, and sex is not always the reason behind the practice. These stereotypical views are often far removed from what is fact; Gene Simmons from KISS, for example, speaks several languages and holds a Bachelor Degree in education; he spent many years teaching grade school before pursuing his musical passion.

The media portrayal of celebrities is often tasteless, but it doesn't always provide a negative outcome. The antics of some celebrities doesn't leave much to the imagination, however, they may also provide the trigger some people have needed to finally confront their own thoughts about gender identity and sexual orientation.