setting the tone
From the improvements of communication and accessibility came a wider variety of influence on American teens. Teens became absorbed in the hottest gadgets, always on their cell phones, checking beepers, and instant messaging. In addition, they were able to easily check up on their favorite celebrities using more complex technology. Thus, adolescents devoted their attention to the drunken cast of MTV's The Real World, or provocative behavior of Jack and Rose in the hit film Titanic. They listened to music "legends" like Notorious BIG who rapped of the luxurious life: being involved in gang violence, stealing loot, and consuming all types of drugs. Admiring the attention and fame celebrities received for their actions, teens felt the urge to participate in similar actions to also achieve desired attention. Consequently, rates of disturbing occurrences skyrocketed among American teens in the 90s.
Statistics
1. Teen pregnancies in the 90s were 42% higher than they are in present day. (guttmatcher.org).
2. Teen rapes were 7% more than now. (CBS.com)
3. 50% more of teens smoked in the 90s. (umich.edu)
2. Teen rapes were 7% more than now. (CBS.com)
3. 50% more of teens smoked in the 90s. (umich.edu)