Certain media exposure may promote risky sexual behavior

Young adults who are exposed to other individuals participating in risky activities through media outlets such as television, music or video games may be more likely to partake in these acts themselves, according to a new study published in the online edition of the Psychological Bulletin.

The study incorporated more than 80,000 individuals who were between the ages of 16 and 24.

Of the various forms of media, subjects who actively participated in video games were the most likely to be involved in dangerous situations, according to the study's findings.

Some of the unhealthy behaviors that the researchers evaluated participants for included binge drinking, wreckless driving and unprotected sex.

According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men and women between the ages of 20 and 24 have the highest numbers of different sexual partners within a given year. Moreover, nearly 80 percent of these individuals had not been tested for sexually transmitted diseases within the previous year.

Having unprotected sex with multiple partners is one of the leading risk factors for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Any person who would like to be screened for the infections may consider using online testing services.