Friends with Benefits

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the term, "friends With benefits" that is used with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. The paper states that it has been downplayed as a fun type of relationship precluding the commitment level of a more serious attachment. The paper confirms that it is a sexual relationship between friends, without the time or emotional commitment of a romantic relationship and is seen as including all the fun of a sexual relationship without the commitment. The paper warns that it has also not been recognized that the consequences of such a lack of commitment could be both emotionally and physically harmful, which is particularly so among the young and inexperienced. This paper explores the nature of the "friends with benefits" phenomenon and its possible consequences; both positive and negative together with its manifestations among the very young and young adults, with recommendations on how harm could be minimized.

Outline:
Literature Review
Theoretical Application
Implications
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"According to Murphy (2005), the phrase was coined around 1995, and popularized by an Alanis Morrisette song. The concept has subsequently been implemented by the young generation in their 20s, and further popularized by the media in shows such as Sex and the City (with the term "fuck buddy") and more recently Boston Legal. Murphy further notes however that, as mentioned above, the dangers of the practice have started to make themselves clear in the lives and environment of people in high schools and even in junior high schools. Indeed, the "benefits" include enjoying the physical pleasure of sex without the premature burden of responsibility and commitment, and also a form of sexual empowerment for girls. Benedict Carey (2007) holds that the perceived benefits of such a relationship relates to the fact that the friendship adds an element of longevity that is absent from a fling or a one-night stand. It also provides a sense of companionship that is generally absent from other brief sexual encounters and generally only comes with a longer-term commitment."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carey, Benedict. (2007, Oct. 2). Friends with Benefits, and Stress Too. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/health/02sex.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
• Murphy, Candace (2005, Feb 22). Casual teen sex linked to increased STDs, depression. Oakland Tribune. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20050222/ai_n11834318
• NewsNet5. (2007). Study: Most College Students Have Sex with Friends On Side. http://www.newsnet5.com/specialassignment/14639548/detail.html
• Puentes, Jennifer, Knox David & Zusman, Marty E. (2008, March). Participants in "friends with benefits" relationships. College Student Journal. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCR/is_1_42/ai_n25154784
• Waters, Eve. (2007, Oct. 18). "Friends With Benefits" Drift Apart. The Cornell Daily Sun. http://cornellsun.com/node/24978

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