When Bill Gates becomes innkeeper to Eros and Thanatos

Abstract

Summary This article is a reflection on the effect of major changes in a number of environments on the evolution of sexuality in young people. The family environment, in particular, is undergoing a restructuring, and the growing number of broken and blended families has led to new realities with which young people must cope. The staggering development of the Internet is also part of the overall picture: some of them appear to have developed a different relationship to sexuality as a result of the modification of relational guidelines, which is not without consequence. Distortions may therefore occur under the influence of changes in the way relationships develop — or, indeed, are limited — and increased exposure to explicit sexual or violent material. It is however important to not lose sight of the fact that most young people view the Internet as a means of exploring the world and of entering into relationships with other young people. Vulnerable young people may be more affected by exposure to explicit violent or sexual material found on the Internet. In any event, parents and researchers will undoubtedly be called upon to deconstruct the sexual and violent imagery communicated through these new media, particularly for vulnerable populations; it will require great adroitness to avoid being or appearing overly controlling in these situations. The object of the exercise is to integrate these new parameters into educational and clinical interventions and into research programs.