Dutch Adolescents' Motives, Perceptions, and Reflections Toward Sex-Related Internet Use: A Web-Based Focus Group Study

• In Event: Sex, Sexting, Sexuality

Abstract

This study used a qualitative design involving web-based focus groups to gain in-depth insight into Dutch adolescents’ motives, perceptions, and reflections toward Internet use for (a) finding information or advice related to romance and sexuality; (b) searching for and viewing pornographic or erotic material; and (c) romantic and sexual communication (i.e., cybersex/sexting). A total of 36 adolescents (aged 16 to 19 years, 72.2% girls) participated in one of twelve homogeneous web-based focus groups. The themes that emerged from the focus group discussions suggest that sex-related Internet use is a complex and ambivalent experience for adolescents. Participants perceived the Internet as a useful, versatile, and easily accessible source of sex-related information, stimulation, inspiration, and communication. Yet, participants experienced or expressed concerns about a range of negative consequences or risks related to sex-related online behaviors, particularly concerning pornography’s potential to create unrealistic expectations about sex and sexual attractiveness.

Authors

• Suzan Doornwaard, Utrecht University

• Ine Vanwesenbeeck, Utrecht U

• Carol van Nijnatten, Utrecht U

• Laura Baams, Utrecht U

• Tom ter Bogt, University of Utrecht

• Regina van den Eijnden, Utrecht University