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SEXUALITY ONLINE: EXPLORATION AND SELF-IDENTIFICATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

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Date Issued:
2013
Abstract/Description:
The Internet is a space that offers the exploration of sexual experiences without social repercussions to one's identity. As a de-centralized environment, social conventions, cues, judgments and risks may be present, but are not fixed. Online sexual activities are accessible through both interactive and observational means, such as forums, blogs, chat rooms, e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing and websites. The current study sought to uncover the motivation and significance of Internet use on how college students perceive, experience and define their sexuality. The intent of this thesis was to look into the complexity of human sexuality that can be embodied online and help to extend our knowledge on how Internet use provides support and satisfaction for sexual needs that are significant to individuals affected by social discomfort. The study showed that shyness and anxiousness as temperaments associated with social discomfort were tied to utilizing the Internet for sexual experiences, such as exploration and strengthening of sexual identity.
Title: SEXUALITY ONLINE: EXPLORATION AND SELF-IDENTIFICATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
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Name(s): Nordham, Chelsea, Author
Donley, Amy, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2013
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The Internet is a space that offers the exploration of sexual experiences without social repercussions to one's identity. As a de-centralized environment, social conventions, cues, judgments and risks may be present, but are not fixed. Online sexual activities are accessible through both interactive and observational means, such as forums, blogs, chat rooms, e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing and websites. The current study sought to uncover the motivation and significance of Internet use on how college students perceive, experience and define their sexuality. The intent of this thesis was to look into the complexity of human sexuality that can be embodied online and help to extend our knowledge on how Internet use provides support and satisfaction for sexual needs that are significant to individuals affected by social discomfort. The study showed that shyness and anxiousness as temperaments associated with social discomfort were tied to utilizing the Internet for sexual experiences, such as exploration and strengthening of sexual identity.
Identifier: CFH0004334 (IID), ucf:45031 (fedora)
Note(s): 2013-05-01
B.A.
Sciences, Dept. of Sociology
Bachelors
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): sexuality
online
online sexuality
social discomfort
internet
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004334
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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