Abstract
Online sexual behavior may be more completely explained by integrating a Pull Factor analysis, centering on the characteristics of the Internet that make it an appealing outlet for sexuality (e.g., "Triple A Engine") and a Push Factor analysis, centering on characteristics of the offline world that disallow fulfillment of sexual desires. This new framework is utilized in explaining paraphilic (unconventional) sexualities online. Because paraphilics are members of highly concealable, horizontal and rare sexual minorities, they are pushed online by mainstream society. Online, paraphilics interact with similar others, and through lurking, re-learning and self-disclosing, may become sexually empowered. Clinical ramifications of attainment of positive sexual-social identity via empowerment are discussed, as are possible affects on public policy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 71-92 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Journal of Homosexuality |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 11 Oct 2006 |
Keywords
- Fetish
- Internet
- Lurking
- Paraphilia
- Push factors
- Re-learning
- Self disclosure
- Sexual empowerment
- Sexual minorities
- Social identity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gender Studies
- Social Psychology
- Education
- General Psychology