Sexually Explicit Media Use Among 14–17-Year-Old Sexual Minority Males in the U.S.

Abstract

Adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM; < 18 years old) do not typically receive sexual education that addresses male-male relationships from traditional sources (i.e., school, parents). Therefore, many rely on sexually explicit online media (SEOM; i.e., pornography) to find sexual health information. The current study describes SEOM use by ASMM in the United States (U.S.) and examines the association between exposure to condomless anal sex (CAS) in SEOM and engagement in CAS. In 2017, ASMM ( N = 206; M age=16, range: 14–17; 51% racial/ethnic minorities) from across the U.S. completed an online sexual health survey, including questions about SEOM use and sexual behaviors. Most (86%) reported that they had viewed SEOM. Engagement with SEOM was frequent (86% reported viewing ≥ one time per week) and lengthy (70% reported viewing for ≥ 15 minutes per session). Youth perceived that SEOM influenced how they, and other ASMM, think and behave sexually. Further, exposure to risky sexual behavior in SEOM appears to be associated with youths’ dyadic sexual behavior. To support the healthy sexual development of ASMM, it is important to acknowledge the near-universal use of SEOM by ASMM, to identify ways to maximize its potential value, and to minimize potential harms.