Influence of Peer Pressure on Cybersexual Activities Among Youth Population

Abstract

In this modern era, the internet plays a vast role in fostering communication and connections, and even facilitating the exchange of information and shaping various aspects of our life. The study aims to determine the relationship between and the influence of peer pressure on cybersexual activities along with its five dimensions (online sexual compulsivity, online sexual behaviour- social, isolated, online sexual spending, interest in online sexual behaviour). For this purpose, Ex-post facto research design is used for the study. The age criteria for the sample, i.e., youth population from 15-25 years of age. The data were collected using a convenient sampling method, and the survey was conducted through Google Forms. The questionnaires that are used in the study are Peer Pressure Scale and Internet Sex Screening Test along with other demographic details. A sample of 234 was collected from the youth population. Pearson Correlation and Regression analysis has been used to analyse the influence between variables. The findings of the study suggests that there is positive correlation between peer pressure and cybersexual activities though there is weak correlation within dimension – solidarity in online sexual behaviour. Further the study also identified the significant influence that peer pressure has on the cybersexual activities among youth population. Furthermore, age emerged as a significant predictor of engagement in cybersex, with younger individuals exhibiting higher susceptibility to peer pressure. Gender differences were found in the study, male tends to have increased risk of experiencing peer pressure and engaging in cybersexual activities. The limitation of the study include that it has been done in the Indian context and cannot be generalized for global population.