An Investigation of Internet Use, Sexual and Nonsexual Sensation Seeking, and Sexual Compulsivity among College Students (2007)

This investigation was designed to determine what variables significantly predicted sexual compulsivity and risk-taking behaviors regarding use of the Internet for sexual purposes and if there were differences within those variables. Participants (N = 307) from colleges and universities in the New England area voluntarily completed the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS), Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (SSSS), and the Non-Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (NSSS), which comprised the dependent variables. Independent variables of gender, age exposed to pornographic material, year in college, and using the Internet to seek adult entertainment were significant predictors. The age when students were exposed to pornographic material was a significant predictor of SSSS score. Upper class students had an increase on their SSSS scores compared to Under class students. Gender significantly predicted SSSS, SCS, and NSSS scores, where females scored lower on all scales in comparison to males. Students who reported using the Internet to access online entertainment had higher SSSS, NSSS, and SCS scores compared to those who did not access adult entertainment. Implications of the study are discussed.