STD/HIV Prevention for Teenagers: A Look at the Internet Universe

Abstract

The objective was to determine how the Internet is used to promote sexual health among adolescents. Six key words were entered into three search engines producing 87,180 results. Three percent (n = 36) were educational Web sites targeted at teenagers and covered a range of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These were content analyzed using sexuality education and usability guidelines. All sites addressed some STD information, but only two covered negotiation. Navigability results were mixed; only one third offered a site map. Sexual health educators may need to include more information on how to negotiate safe sex and improve Web navigability for teenagers.

Young People's Relationships with Sugar Daddies and Sugar Mummies: What do We Know and What Do We Need to Know?

“…There is increasing evidence to establish a link between the internet universe and the spread and prevention of STI/HIV infections among adolescents. 75 The internet has had such a profound impact on the way contacts, friendships and sexual relationships are initiated in less technologically internet-driven societies of Latin America and Africa as well as in many parts around the world. This is because internet is a media through which one can communicate one's desires directly and entirely anonymous.…”

A Content Analysis of Publication Trends in Internet-Focused Healthcare Communication Research: A Look at the Past and Potential Future of the Field

“…In terms of topics, research has examined the relationship of news coverage and online searches of information [14], public anxiety and online information searching behavior [15], and many others. Another line of research examined how specific groups, such as cancer patients [16][17][18], older adults [19,20], and teenagers use the Internet for accessing health information [21].…”

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“…Third, several studies in the review -such as Bay-Cheng (2001), Keller et al (2002Keller et al ( , 2004 and Isaacson (2006) -suggest that user-driven and positive messaging seem to be rare, and that information about topics such as sexual orientation and identity, masturbation, and abortion are marginalised. Furthermore, indicators of quality and sources are often missing.…”