Problematic Smartphone and Social Networking Site Use and Sexual Function

 

Social networking site (SNS) usage may sometimes take on an addictive nature; this is known as problematic SNS use. Since cellphones are often used for online social networking in addition to other activities that have the potential to become addictive, this syndrome is similar to problematic (addictive-like) smartphone usage. While there is a wealth of data linking excessive smartphone and social networking usage to worse mental health, there is a dearth of study on the relationship with sexual function.

Aim

to investigate if inappropriate smartphone and social media usage is linked to sexual issues.

Techniques

Following the collapse of data from four studies carried out in Portugal between October 2019 and December 2021 (which were analyzed for the first time), 946 women and 235 men provided information on sexual function and problematic smartphone use, and 536 women and 194 men provided information on sexual function and problematic SNS use. The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) and the Female Sexual Function Index were used to evaluate female sexual function. The International Index of Erectile Function was used to measure male sexual function. The Short Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV) was used to assess problematic smartphone usage. The Internet Addiction Scale (IAT), which was modified especially for online social networking, was used to assess problematic SNS usage.

Results

Participants scored their sexual function and symptoms of inappropriate smartphone and social media usage.

Findings

Less sexual arousal (r = -0.22), trouble lubricating (r = -0.13), orgasmic problems (r = -0.20), sexual dissatisfaction (r = -0.23), coital discomfort (r = -0.19), and increased sexual distress (r = 0.33) were also associated with poor SNS usage in women. Lower erectile function (r = -0.26), lower desire (r = -0.17), intercourse unhappiness (r = -0.20), overall sexual dissatisfaction (r = -0.30), and greater difficulty experiencing orgasms (r = -0.20) were all associated with problematic usage of social networking sites in males. The relationships between problematic smartphone usage and sexual function were similar for both sexes, although they were often weaker and, if problematic SNS use is taken into account, cease to be significant.

Clinical Consequences

Use of social networking sites that resembles addiction may increase the chance of sexual issues.

Advantages and Drawbacks

This research is creative and well-equipped to find links between using new technology in an addicted manner and having worse sexual function. Caution is warranted due to the sample's lack of representativeness.

Conclusions

Problematic (addictive-like) SNS usage was linked to sexual issues in both men and women. This supports earlier studies.