Learning Through Observation Shapes Sexual Norms

Human beings learn vicariously by observing others, significantly impacting the development of social norms. In the last century, particularly in the United States, sexual norms have undergone remarkable changes, with a notable increase in adolescents reporting no sexual activity from 2009 to 2018. This shift indicates a reversal of trends seen 50 to 70 years earlier when interactions with sex workers were more common as initial experiences for young men. The evolution of sexual behavior reflects broader societal changes and highlights the importance of observational learning in shaping individual and collective attitudes.