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Internet Addiction and Polish Women’s Sexual Functioning: The Role of Social Media, Online Pornography, and Game Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Online Surveys Based on FSFI and BSMAS Questionnaires

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Pawlikowska

    (Cardiosexology Students Club, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Ewa Szuster

    (Cardiosexology Students Club, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Paulina Kostrzewska

    (Cardiosexology Students Club, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Amanda Mandera

    (Cardiosexology Students Club, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Biernikiewicz

    (Studio Słowa, 50-357 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Sobieszczańska

    (Clinical Department of Geriatrics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Krystyna Rożek-Piechura

    (Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Monika Markiewicz

    (Men’s Health Centre in Wrocław, 53-151 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Rusiecka

    (Statistical Analysis Centre, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Dariusz Kałka

    (Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
    Men’s Health Centre in Wrocław, 53-151 Wroclaw, Poland)

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relationship between social media use and women’s sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected between April and November 2021. Online surveys including the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) questionnaires were distributed to young, sexually active women. Information was collected on their demographics, sexual life, and use of social media. We enrolled 546 women (mean age 23.07 ± 4.69). In general, 5.68% of the women were at high risk of social media addiction. Social media addiction had a negative impact on FSFI scores, while pornography use had a positive effect on women’s sexual functioning. Users of dating apps also obtained lower FSFI scores than non-users. No differences in FSFI scores were observed between gamers and non-gamers. The impact of time spent on social media on FSFI scores was not significant. We conclude that social media addiction negatively affected women’s sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Pawlikowska & Ewa Szuster & Paulina Kostrzewska & Amanda Mandera & Małgorzata Biernikiewicz & Małgorzata Sobieszczańska & Krystyna Rożek-Piechura & Monika Markiewicz & Agnieszka Rusiecka & Darius, 2022. "Internet Addiction and Polish Women’s Sexual Functioning: The Role of Social Media, Online Pornography, and Game Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Online Surveys Based on FSFI and BSMAS Questionnaires," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:8193-:d:855617
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ángel Castro & Juan Ramón Barrada, 2020. "Dating Apps and Their Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Correlates: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-25, September.
    2. Sean M. McNabney & Krisztina Hevesi & David L. Rowland, 2020. "Effects of Pornography Use and Demographic Parameters on Sexual Response during Masturbation and Partnered Sex in Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-16, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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