Marta García Barba, Juan Enrique Nebot García, Beatriz Gil Juliá, Cristina Giménez García
àgora de salut. vol. vi. issn: 2443-9827. doi: http://dx.doi.! org/10.6035/agorasalut.2019.6.15 – pp . 137-146
Abstract
Introduction: The use of cybersex is a widespread sexual practice that may have negative consequences when used inappropriately, such as facilitating risky sexual practices.
Objective: The objective of this study is to verify if an abusive use of cybersex influences the frequency in which sexual risk practices are performed.
Method: A total of 160 people participated (80 recreational profile and 80 cybersex risk profile) with ages between 18 and 28 years (M = 22.36; SD = 2.66). All completed the Spanish version of the Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST) (Ballester-Arnal, Gil-Llario, Gómez-Martínez & Gil-Juliá 2010) and some questions about risky sexual practices.
Results: No significant differences were found between both groups regarding the frequency in which they have sexual relations. There is a positive association between more abuse of cybersex and risk behaviors in oral sex, anal sex, with sporadic partner and after having consumed alcohol and other drugs. The group that consumes cybersex abusively has performed more sexual practices observed on the Internet, despite knowing that they can be dangerous (such as asphyxia), than those who make recreational use of this tool.
Conclusions: There would be a differential pattern, based on the consumption of cybersex, in risky sexual practices that expose the physical and mental health of young people! For this reason, we consider important to carry out preventive activities that inform about the use of this tool, its benefits and drawbacks and how to reduce the risks related to it.
Keywords: Cybersex, risky sexual practices, abusive use, recreational use, health.
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