Does the Internet represent a sexual health risk environment for young people?

Sex Transm Dis. 2012 Jan;39(1):55-8. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318235b3c6.

Abstract

This study examined sexual risk behaviors/outcomes among college students with online partners only, offline partners only, and both online/offline partners. Students with both online/offline partners were more likely to report sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancy, and more vaginal/oral sex partners. Sex with online partners was not riskier than sex with offline partners.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Students
  • Young Adult