Sex and money are linked to social anxiety and scandal, said Laura Kipnis, a Northwestern University media studies professor, on Tuesday night.

Kipnis’ presentation, “Scandalous Americans,” defined scandal.

Scandal, Kipnis said, pushes celebrities and public figures into notoriety by bringing a secret to light.

An example of such a scandal includes Linda Tripp, who secretly taped conversations with Monica Lewinsky, and David Brock. Brock initially broke the news regarding Tripp and Lewinsky.

Americans are drawn to scandal because of the humiliation they endure from birth and from potty training, Kipnis said. She referred to scandalous phrases associated with toilet training, such as “being in the s—.”

Sex and money make for the most popular scandals, such as adultery, Kipnis said.

“We live in a world punctuated by scarcity and anxiety,” Kipnis said.

The pleasure one takes in reading about scandal may come from a type of social masochism, or deriving pleasure from pain, Kipnis said.

In the case of a high-profile crime, people often will line up to confess, Kipnis said.

Near her speech’s end, she said the audience needs to uphold social standards.

“This could be you. Watch your step,” she said.