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Sexual Function and Problematic Use of Smartphones and Social Networking Sites.
Vanessa Fuzeiro1, Catarina Martins1, Cátia Gonçalves1
1Ispa - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|June 19, 2022
Summary
Problematic social networking site (SNS) use is linked to sexual difficulties in both men and women. This addictive-like behavior may negatively impact sexual function and satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sexology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Problematic social networking site (SNS) use, often exhibiting addictive-like qualities, is increasingly recognized.
- This behavior frequently overlaps with problematic smartphone use due to device ubiquity.
- While links to mental health are established, research on sexual function is limited.
Observation:
- This study investigated the relationship between problematic SNS and smartphone use and sexual difficulties in adults.
- Data from four Portuguese studies (2019-2021) involving 946 women and 235 men for smartphone use, and 536 women and 194 men for SNS use were analyzed.
- Standardized questionnaires assessed sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index, International Index of Erectile Function) and problematic technology use (Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version, adapted Internet Addiction Scale).
Findings:
- Problematic SNS use significantly correlated with various sexual difficulties in women, including lower arousal, lubrication issues, orgasmic difficulties, and sexual dissatisfaction.
- In men, problematic SNS use was associated with reduced erectile function, lower desire, and sexual dissatisfaction.
- Correlations between problematic smartphone use and sexual function were generally weaker and often non-significant when controlling for SNS use.
Implications:
- Problematic social networking site use emerges as a potential risk factor for developing sexual difficulties in both sexes.
- These findings highlight the need to consider digital behavior in sexual health assessments and interventions.
- Further research with representative samples is warranted to confirm these associations.
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