Ricerc@Sapienza

Objective: Social Media (SM) and On-line Communities (OC) are increasingly important in youth’s life and
the massive use of these technologies by new generations gave rise to an international debate regarding the
potential effects on relationships and sexuality.
The aim of this paper is to review advantages and limits of SM and OC as ways to build and care
relationships and obtain formal and informal information on sexuality by youth, and moreover as sexual
education programs delivery tools.
Design and Method: A review of scientific literature from January 2007 to May 2017 was performed. The
current review has been based on 77 articles published in Google Scholar, Web of science, Scopus,
PubMed and PsycINFO about the implementation of technology in sexual education programs.
Results: SM platforms such as Short Message Service and Social Networking Sites and OC contribute to
develop adolescent identity, self-expression, intimate relationships and social well-being and to obtain health
information, in particular related to sexuality.
Conclusions: The use of SM and OC among adolescents is not necessarily harmful and could promote a
safer youth sexual behavior and more effective sexual education sessions. Therefore, a critical approach to
SM and OC is needed in order to promote a safe and beneficial use of such tools.