Here are outside articles on some of the most commonly inaccurately reported topics that we’ve seen in the media. You should also check out our Sex Science Skeptic site for a larger collection of science related topics.
Female Monogamy
It has long been argued that the female of most species is naturally more monogamous than the male. Recent DNA studies have shown that females of all species are less monogamous than previously thought. There is little evidence for the myth that women are naturally more monogamous other than what is induced from societal pressure.
Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality
Another often cruel bit of pseudo-science is the use of this “therapy” to cure homosexuality. Not only does it use the assumption that homosexuality is a disorder, contrary to the general consensus of the medical community, it also ignores the existence of male bisexuality as a possible explanation of the few documented “cures”, and provides little in the way of documentation to demonstrate any overall effectiveness. This is a good overview by Dr. Jeffrey G. Ford, who was a leader in the Christian ex-gay movement and is now a critic.
Sex Addiction
While frequently touted in the media, sex addiction is not officially recognized by the medical community, and is in fact more pseudo-science and medical quackery than an actual addiction or medical condition. This commentary by noted sexologist Marty Klein points out the dangers of belief in this non-scientific diagnosis. It was from a panel before sexologists. A shorter more layman oriented introduction to this topic can be found in Marty Klein’s Sexual Intelligence.
Snuff Films
An urban legend that is often used as an excuse to criticize mainstream pornography. Here is a report from the Skeptical Inquirer on the actual history of the Snuff Film.
Sex Information in Women’s Magazines
We’ve had many discussions with sexologists bemoaning the poor quality of sexual information in women’s magazines. This article from the Columbia Journalism Review provides some insight into why this resource is often so inaccurate.