Technology's Influence On Sex And Young People
November 12, 2009 1 Comment
Sex has become more and more intertwined with technology.
The latest craze is ‘Gridr’, an iTunes application that maps out gay men right in front of you.”As you make your way through the city, the menu of men reshuffles, and the erotic terrain updates in real time”.
If you have this application on your phone you can look at pictures and profiles as you walk down the street, chat with people, and meet up with those close by. Never before has hooking up been easier.
It is especially important to examine how young people access technology and how they use it in their relationships. Texting is a great way for young people to stay in touch with friends, but with young people being charged with distribution of child pornography for sending pictures of themselves (sexting), some kind of regulation is needed.
Positive influences of technology include some vibrators now available that are powered off of iPod music and sexual health organisations using text messages to educate young people about sex.
The organisation Internet Sexuality Information Services, Inc. (ISIS) is addressing these issues in an upcoming conference.
What is Sex::Tech?
The Internet and mobile technologies have strengthened youth networks, provided new avenues for expression, and increased youth access to tools and information designed to improve their sexual health. Sex::Tech explores available tools and methods for reaching youth with culturally appropriate STD/HIV prevention and sex education interventions. Technology developers, accidental techies, educators, researchers, youth, public health professionals, activists are all welcome.
The conference is being held in San Francisco on February 26 and 27, 2010. Interested people can find out more at Sex::Tech.
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