Sharing “Sex Secrets” on Facebook: A Content Analysis of Youth Peer Communication and Advice Exchange on Social Media about Sexual Health and Intimate Relations

Abstract

Social media present opportunities and challenges for sexual health communication among young people. This study is one of the first to examine the actual use of Facebook for peer communication of sexual health and intimate relations. Content analysis of 2186 anonymous posts in a "sex secrets" Facebook page unofficially affiliated with a Hong Kong University shows gender balance among posters, inclusiveness of sexual minorities, and frequent sharing of personal experiences in storytelling or advice seeking. The findings illuminate young people's health concerns regarding condom use, avoiding pain, birth control, sexually transmitted infections, and body appearance. Relational concerns found entailed sexual practices, expectations, and needs-predominantly within dating relationships and include not wanting to have sex. Supportive communication among users was prevalent. A majority of posts involved advice solicitation in the form of request for opinion or information (30.38%), request for advice (13.68%), situation comparison (5.40%), or problem disclosure (9.97%). Comments to the advice-seeking posts were mostly supportive (69.49%); nonsupportive responses (unsolicited messages and gratuitous humor) were concentrated with ambiguous advice solicitations. These findings hold implications for understanding self-disclosure of intimate concerns within social networks, and attuning sexual health intervention on social media to young people's actual needs and advice preferences.

“We talked about our hookups”: A diary study of sexual communication among U.S. college women

“…Future research on sex-related gossip may further illuminate gossip’s role in establishing norms. The findings also support past research that much peer communication about sex is focused on advice-giving (Pariera, 2018; Yeo & Chu, 2017), again highlighting the importance of peers as referents and confidants. This may be beneficial, as sexual communication with peers is negatively associated with expectations that future sexual activity would be stigmatized among peers (Ragsdale et al, 2014).…”

“…Montemurro et al (2015) found that women were uncomfortable talking with friends about sex unless they saw the conversation as a way to bond or as a means of support. Sex-related talk between friends also focuses on advice-giving (Pariera, 2018; Yeo & Chu, 2017), suggesting that friends may be important information resources. Generating and reinforcing group norms may be another common function, with one study finding gossip about sexual reputation was a common occurrence (Massar et al, 2012).…”

Deciphering the Signal From the Noise: Caregivers’ Information Appraisal and Credibility Assessment of Cancer-Related Information Exchanged on Social Networking Sites

“…First, research has examined the types and nature of health-related communication on SNS. 10-17,19 Second, research has examined audience engagement with cancer-related information posts on SNS by examining what types of posts receive the most comments, shares, likes, and emoji reactions. 6-8,20-23 This previous research has answered critical questions surrounding the types of cancer-related information available on SNS and differential amplifications of certain kinds of cancer-related information on SNS by way of audience engagement.…”

“…This growing body of literature has found that, beyond being a means of accessing social support and sharing their illness-related experiences, people use SNS when seeking advice, opinions, or answers to their health-related questions. 10-17 This type of SNS use occurs, despite patients and health-care professionals having concerns about misinformation on social media 14,17,18 as well as the mixed results of research examining the scientific accuracy of health information provided on SNS. 19 Another focus of cancer communication research has been to understand the quantity, content, quality, and user engagement (eg, likes and comments) in relation to information about cancer on SNS.…”

Young Women’s Sex Talk Online: Roles of Anonymity, Social Closeness, and Cultural Background on Perceived Appropriateness and Behavioral Intention

“…As such, virtual space is often considered superior to face-to-face communication when sharing sensitive information (e.g., Andalibi et al, 2016). As a result, sex talk is particularly prevalent on the internet, covering topics ranging from sex education, sexual health, and sexual identity validation to exploration of sexual pleasures (e.g., Chiou, 2006; Kummervold et al, 2002; Pedersen, 2014; Salter, 2016; Yeo & Chu, 2017).…”