Chapter 5 - The Psychology of Sex: A Mirror from the Internet

Abstract

Various forces have had an impact on the pluralism that is sexuality and the Internet—sexuality and the Internet continues to reflect that diversity. It is essential that the most repressive ends of the spectrum not dictate what is available online. The diverse meanings inherent in the human sexuality complex, and recent advances and debates in sexology and the social sciences as a whole, argue for maintaining that pluralism. Sexual pleasure, personal happiness, satisfaction with life, and personal interconnectedness with others is also a strong part of that mix. Sexual diversity is the norm on the Internet, despite efforts to sanitize and homogenize it to conform to the level of psychosexual development of children. Various communities have adopted it to help inform others of their sexual realities. Among scientists, sexologists are among a broad spectrum of social science professionals utilizing the Web to promote better research and to disseminate its results to more people. In the balance, these factors can only bode well for sexology and for collective sexual health.