Traversing TechSex: Benefits and Risks in Digitally Mediated Sex and Relationships

Jennifer Power et. al., 'Traversing TechSex: benefits and risks in digitally mediated sex and relationships' (2022) 19(1) Sexual Health 55

15 Pages Posted: 13 Feb 2024

See all articles by Jennifer Power

Jennifer Power

La Trobe University

Lily Moor

La Trobe University

Joel R. Anderson

La Trobe University

Andrea Waling

La Trobe University

Alexandra James

La Trobe University

Nicole Shackleton

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technolog (RMIT University)

Anne-Maree Farrell

University of Edinburgh - School of Law

Elizabeth Agnew

Queen's University Belfast

Gary W. Dowsett

La Trobe University

Date Written: March 03, 2022

Abstract

Background: Digital technologies play a significant role in people’s sexual and intimate lives via smart phones, cameras, dating apps and social media. Although there is a large body of research on the potential risks posed by these technologies, research on benefits and pleasures is limited.

Methods: This study explored digital sexual practices, including perceptions of risks and benefits among a sample of Australian adults (n = 445). Data were collected in 2020 via an online survey. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were undertaken to identify significant relationships between demographic variables and the use of technologies in relation to perceived risks and benefits. The mean age of participants was 42 years, over half were women (58.5%) and identified as heterosexual (61.1%).

Results: Findings reveal that use of digital media was common in participants’ sex lives and relationships; 60.3% of participants had viewed pornography online, 34.9% had used dating apps, and 33.9% had sent sexual or naked self-images to another person. Over one in three reported positive outcomes from this: 38.2% felt emotionally connected to their partners due to online communication; 38.0% agreed that digital technologies facilitated closer connections; however, the majority of participants were aware of potential risks associated with online sexual engagement, particularly non-consensual exposure of their sexual or naked images, with women expressing greater concern.

Conclusions: Policy, legal and educational responses should be based on holistic understanding of digital sexual engagement, acknowledging the ways in which technologies can support sexual relationships while also building people’s knowledge and capacity to manage risks.

Keywords: Digital sexual literacy, digital technologies, internet, online pornography, online safety, sexting, sexual health promotion, sexual practices

Suggested Citation

Power, Jennifer and Moor, Lily and Anderson, Joel and Waling, Andrea and James, Alexandra and Shackleton, Nicole and Farrell, Anne-Maree and Agnew, Elizabeth and Dowsett, Gary W., Traversing TechSex: Benefits and Risks in Digitally Mediated Sex and Relationships (March 03, 2022). Jennifer Power et. al., 'Traversing TechSex: benefits and risks in digitally mediated sex and relationships' (2022) 19(1) Sexual Health 55, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4694835

Jennifer Power (Contact Author)

La Trobe University ( email )

Lily Moor

La Trobe University

Joel Anderson

La Trobe University ( email )

Andrea Waling

La Trobe University

Alexandra James

La Trobe University

Nicole Shackleton

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technolog (RMIT University) ( email )

Melbourne
Australia

Anne-Maree Farrell

University of Edinburgh - School of Law ( email )

Edinburgh
Great Britain

Elizabeth Agnew

Queen's University Belfast ( email )

25 University Square
Belfast, BT7 1NN
Ireland

Gary W. Dowsett

La Trobe University

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