Online Sexual Activities and Sexual Risk-taking among Adolescents and Young Adults in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Kunnuji Michael

Abstract

As internet penetration surges in different parts of the world, access to a wide range of subject matters also increases. Matters of sexuality are no exceptions. While there is ample empirical evidence that youths seek knowledge about sexuality, and get involved in sexually stimulating and/or gratifying activities on the internet, the relationship between involvement in these online sexual activities (OSAs) and real life sexual behaviour remains a matter of polemic. Modelling theorists contend that exposure to sexuality related information propel acting out such information. Catharsis on the other hand holds the view that exposure to such information serves as safety valves for the peaceful release of imperfectly sublimated antisocial sexual drives. Using data gathered from adolescent internet users involved in OSAs as well as those not involved within the city of Lagos, this study concludes that OSA is associated with involvement in risk-bearing sexual behaviours (Afr J Reprod Health 2012 (Special Edition); 16[2]:

207-217).

 

Résumé

Au fur et à mesure que la pénétration de l’internet avance dans des régions diverses  du monde, l’accès à un grand choix de sujets s’accroit.  Les sujets de la sexualité n’en font pas exception.  Alor qu’il y a beaucoup d’évidence empirique que les jeunes recherchent la connaissance au sujet de la sexualité et qu’ils s’impliquent dans les activités sexuellement excitantes et/ou agréable sur l’internet, le rapport entre l’implication dans ces activités en ligne (ASO) et le comportement sexuel dans la vie réelle reste une question qui provoque des arguments.  Les théoriciens qui se fondent sur la thérapeutique prétendent que l’exposition à l’information liée à la sexualité pousse à la mise en pratique de telle information.  Par contre, la catharsis soutient que l’exposition à une telle information sert de soupape de sûreté pour la libérer paisiblement les pulsions sexuelles antisociales imparfaitement sublimes.  A l’aide des données collectées de la part des usagers adolescents de l’internet, qui sont impliqués dans les ASO aussi bien que ceux qui ne le sont pas au sein de la métropole de Lagos, l’étude conclue que les ASO sont liées à l’implication dans les comportements sexuels à  risque (Afr J Reprod Health 2012 (Special Edition); 16[2]: 207-217).

 

  Keywords: adolescence, sexuality, cybersex, modelling, catharsis 

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