Unsolicited online sexual material: what affects our attitudes and likelihood to search for more?(Report)

Abstract: Sexually explicit information can be encountered through the Internet by both active exploration and passive means (e.g., junk mail, email and pop-ups). The present study examined unsolicited exposure to sexually explicit material through email, junk mail and pop-ups by assessing potential variables that might impact on positive attitudes towards such sexually explicit materials and the likelihood to search for them online. The findings support previously reported gender differences in attitudes and behaviour in relation to sexually explicit materials. Overall, males felt more positive toward online sexual content and were more likely to explore unsolicited emails and pop-ups than were females. Computer use for a variety of purposes (e.g., downloading files, communication, and entertainment) predicted positive attitudes towards unsolicited sexual pop-ups and junk mail messages while sheer number of hours spent on the computer predicted searching behaviour for sexual information. Domain-specific curiosity (i.e., curiosity toward online sexual material) positively predicted both positive attitudes and searching behaviours. Implications from this exploratory study are discussed.

Introduction

The Internet has become a major media resource for information seeking. Cooper and colleagues (1998) suggested that the power of the Internet was driven by a 'Triple A Engine' consisting of accessibility (any time, anywhere), affordability (most sites allow for free browsing), and anonymity (the ability to protect one's identity). Because the Internet provides anonymous, private access to information 24 hours a day from the convenience of an individual's home, it is an excellent vehicle for searching out sensitive information, such as information dealing with sex. Exploration of sexually related topics can now be conducted instantly and, apart from a connection fee, is often free of charge. In addition, the privacy afforded by the Internet virtually eliminates shyness or shame that may be associated with searching out sexual material from more traditional sources (Carnes, 2003; McKenna, Green & Smith, 2001). Further, accessibility to sexual material using the Internet is easy. Even the most sexually explicit material that would not be easily accessible using other media can be retrieved with little effort over the Internet (Cooper, Shapiro & Powers, 1998).

Sexually explicit information is provided through both active and passive means via the Internet. That is, in addition to actively searching for information, today's computer users are often exposed to sexually explicit information through passive means, most notably through unsolicited or unintentional routes including sexually explicit Internet pop-ups (advertisements for various web sites and products) and unsolicited emails or SPAM (unwanted email) (Cameron et al., 2005). Considering that 84% of Canadian computer users access email services (Dryburgh, 2001), the sheer number of users suggests that many individuals are exposed to unsolicited sexually explicit material, perhaps more than ever before. Even with filters and firewalls designed to limit or remove unwanted mail, most users experience receipt of unsolicited sexually explicit material (including pornographic messages and ads for sexual devices, services, surgeries and sites) (Goodman, Heckerman, & Rounthwaite, 2005).

In a study that investigated exposure to sexual material via email and websites, some adolescents reported receiving on average 10-20 sex related emails daily (Cameron et al., 2005). While sexual material found on the Internet can be educational, informative and interesting, other material is inaccurate and may be considered offensive by some people (Boies, 2002). Given the vast number of people using computers and the Internet, research is needed to understand the use of these technologies for acquiring information, as well as the impact of these technologies on attitudes and subsequent online behaviours concerning sexually explicit material. At present there is limited research examining information actively sought out using the Internet, and even less research targeting reactions to, and attitudes toward, unsolicited material received through regular interactions with the computer (e.g., email and pop-ups). The current study, therefore, examined reactions and attitudes toward sexual material encountered on the Internet through unsolicited sources.

The vast majority of existing research has focused on conventional forms of sexually explicit or pornographic material including magazines, pictures, and videos (Byrne, Fisher, Lamberth & Mitchell, 1974; Fisher & Byrne, 1978; Wallace & Wehmer, 1971). Prior to the 1970s, before film forms became widely available, books and magazines were the most common form of sexually explicit material. With the advent of the VCR, home videos presented a more attractive way of viewing such material. Viewing such material and the Internet has now expanded access to a vast array of sexual content, often unsolicited and perhaps unwanted. The task for researchers is to examine the experiences and attitudes of individuals exposed to unsolicited sexually explicit content through this new medium.

Gender has been an important indicator of sexual attitudes and behaviours related to more conventional sexual material (e.g., magazines and videos) (Buzzell, 2005), and, more recently, related to sexually explicit material found online (Buzzell, 2005; Cooper, Shapiro & Powers, 1998; Goodson, McCormick, & Evans, 2001; Janghorbani & Lam, 2003). For example, Peter and Valkenburg (2006) found that 71% of male adolescents sought out online sexual material, as compared to 40% percent of female adolescents. Similarly, Boies (2002) found that males were more likely than females to view erotic material online and offline. Males also went online at an earlier age to view sexual material. Furthermore, gender comparisons showed that females found sexually explicit material online to be disturbing, while males found it arousing. In addition, Goodson, McCormick and Evans (2001) also found that female college students tended to feel disgusted and angry toward sexually explicit material on the Internet, while males were more likely to be sexually aroused by such material.