"Let's talk about sex": Discussions in seniors' online communities

Liza Berdychevsky, Galit Nimrod

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Seniors' online communities offer them a safe sphere for discussing sex-related concerns. This netnographic study explored the characteristics of sex-related discussions in such communities and followed online sex-related discussions that took place in 14 leading English language-based communities during one full year (2,534 posts). Analysis revealed that the discussions were simultaneously a source of valuable information and entertainment, and that they had an effect on members' attitudes and offline sexual behavior. Battles between the discussions' protagonists and antagonists provided additional "spice" to the rather amusing yet educational and beneficial discussions. Overall, results indicated that in a reality of limited alternatives for sex-related communication, seniors have found a channel to satisfy their needs for sex-related information and support.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)467-484
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Leisure Research
Volume47
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015

Keywords

  • Disinhibition
  • Empowerment
  • Old age
  • Online communities
  • Sex-related discussions
  • Sexual education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management

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