Mobile sex-tech apps: How use differs across global areas of high and low gender equality

Abstract

Digital technologies are increasingly intertwined into people's sexual lives, with growing scholarly interest in the intersection of sex and technology (sex-tech). However, much of the literature is limited by its over emphasis on negative outcomes and the predominance of work by and about North Americans, creating the impression that sex-tech is largely a Western phenomenon. Based on responses from 130,885 women in 191 countries, we assessed how women around the world interact with mobile technology for sex-related purposes, and whether in areas of greater gender inequality, technological accessibility may be empowering women with knowledge about sexuality. We investigated women's use of technology to find sexual partners, learn about sex and improve their sexual relationships, and track their own sexual health. About one-fifth reported using mobile apps to find sexual partners. This use varied by region: about one-third in Oceania, one-fourth in Europe and the Americas, and one-fifth in Asia and Africa. Staying connected when apart was the most commonly selected reason for app use with a sexual partner. About one-third had used an app to track their own sexual activity. Very few reported that the app they used to improve their sexual relationships was detrimental (0.2%) or not useful (0.6%). Women in countries with greater gender inequality were less likely to have used mobile apps to find a sexual partner, but nearly four times more likely to have engaged in sending and receiving sexts. To our knowledge, this study provides the most comprehensive global data on sex-tech use thus far, demonstrates significant regional variations in sex-tech use, and is the first to examine women's engagement in sex-related mobile technology in locations with greater gender disparities. These findings may inform large-scale targeted studies, interventions, and sex education to improve the lives of women around the world.

Love in the Time of Corona: Predicting Willingness to Engage in Sexting During the First COVID-19-Related Lockdown

“…We recruited a young adult sample via social media because sexting is very common in young adults who are active on social media (Gesselman et al, 2020 ; Klettke et al, 2014 ; Wysocki & Childers, 2011 ). Young adulthood is defined as the age between 18 nd 40 years and characterized by the developmental task of balancing intimacy and isolation (Erikson, 1968 ).…”

Traversing TechSex: benefits and risks in digitally mediated sex and relationships

“…Digital technologies increasingly play a part in people's sex lives and relationships via dating apps, social media and internet-enabled communication. [1][2][3] Smartphones and other devices equipped with cameras mean digitally mediated sex is highly accessible and phones/devices are commonly used for meeting potential lovers, sending messages, 'chatting', sharing sexualised images ('sexting'), communicating via video, and accessing pornography. [2][3][4] There is now a large body of research dedicated to understanding the social, health, legal and emotional impact of sex-related uses of digital technologies.…”

“…[1][2][3] Smartphones and other devices equipped with cameras mean digitally mediated sex is highly accessible and phones/devices are commonly used for meeting potential lovers, sending messages, 'chatting', sharing sexualised images ('sexting'), communicating via video, and accessing pornography. [2][3][4] There is now a large body of research dedicated to understanding the social, health, legal and emotional impact of sex-related uses of digital technologies. Much of this work has focused on risks and dangers, such as concerns about public health implications, including increased rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), resulting from popularity of dating and hook-up apps, [5][6][7] and safety implications, such as sexual violence linked to image-based abuse 8 and non-consensual exposure of sexual images ('revenge porn').…”

“…4,10,20,22,23 This research has shown how smartphones enable people to communicate spontaneously and intimately with longdistance lovers, 1 or to share images or words that express sexual desire, pleasure or affection. 1,2,24 Conversations via email or text messages can also facilitate an open exchange of emotion or explicit conversations in ways that build sexual and emotional intimacy. 1,25 Further, the internet enables people to explore new sexual practices or fantasies in safe ways 2,26 and has been an important space in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and other genderdiverse people have sought community and connection.…”

“…1,2,24 Conversations via email or text messages can also facilitate an open exchange of emotion or explicit conversations in ways that build sexual and emotional intimacy. 1,25 Further, the internet enables people to explore new sexual practices or fantasies in safe ways 2,26 and has been an important space in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and other genderdiverse people have sought community and connection. 22,27,28 This paper presents findings from an Australian survey that explored people's engagement with a range of online sexual practices and their perceptions of the benefits and pleasures, as well as the risks, associated with those practices.…”