Cho, Eunsuk.
International Journal of Human Ecology 17, no. 1 (2016): 27-37.
Abstract
This study was to understand associated factors with frequent exposure to Internet pornography among Korean adolescents. We used data (N = 45,783) from the 2012 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey to examine demographics, family environmental variables, Internet use time, mental health indicators, sexual behavior, and delinquency among Korean adolescents identified as frequent users of Internet pornography. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that frequent users of Internet pornography were more likely to be older males with differences in living arrangements and perceived economic status of the family. They were heavy Internet users with mental health issues, such as a higher likelihood of sadness, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, high stress, and a lower likelihood of feeling happiness. Their higher probability of exploratory (OR =1.79-4.60), and high-risk sexual behavior (OR = 2.20-7.46), and other delinquencies (OR = 1.74-7.68) requires more attention from public health professionals.
Finding
In this study, the frequent visitation of Internet pornography showed a high association of vulnerabilities towards mental health indicators. Lower levels of happiness and higher levels of stress, sadness, and hopelessness (possibly connected to the higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts) seemed to be increasing factors for the frequent use of Internet pornography by adolescents.
The probabilities of being
frequent Internet pornography users increased 4.27 times when
they were victims of a sexual assault and 5.76 times if they were
perpetrators of a sexual assault. Individuals were more likely to use
Internet pornography frequently (2.56 and 2.20 times more) if they
engaged in sex under the influence of alcohol (2.56 times more)
and unprotected sex (2.20 times more). Adolescents who have
acquired sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were 7.46 times
more likely to be frequent users of Internet pornography, after age,
sex, and family environment variables were controlled.
Delinquency problems also exhibited higher probabilities
of being excessive Internet pornography users.
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