Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Online Explorative Study on the Learning Uses of Virtual Reality Among Early Adopters
Published on: November 22, 2019
Sex Differences in Virtual Network Characteristics and Sexual Risk Behavior among Emerging Adults
Stephanie H Cook1, José A Bauermeister1, Marc A Zimmerman1
1Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Abstract:
Emerging adults (EAs)ages 18 to 24 account for a large proportion of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV infections, and unintended pregnancies in the United States. Given the increased influence of online media on decision-making, we examined how EA online networks were associated with sexual risk behaviors. We used egocentric network data collected from EAs aged 18 to 24 years old across the United States (N=1,687) to examine how online norms (e.g., acceptance of HIV infections, other STIs, and pregnancy) and network characteristics (i.e., network size and density; ties' closeness, race, age, and sex similarities) were associated with participants' unprotected vaginal intercourse (UVI) in the last 30 days. Findings suggested that in male EAs, there was a strong association between sexual norms, structural characteristics, and sexual risk behavior compared to females. Researchers and practitioners may wish to address online peer norms and EAs' online network composition when developing online sexual risk prevention tools.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Emerging Adulthood
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Factors Influencing Attraction V: Social Skills
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development

