Factors Related to Sex Addiction and Internet Use for Sexual Purposes among Italian Young Adults

Introduction: As the Internet has proliferated, its use for sexual activities has become widespread, especially among young adults, yet research on the sexual well-being of Italian youth in the digital age remains limited. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the socio-demographic factors and sexual behavior patterns associated with sex addiction and Internet use for sexual purposes among young Italian adults, while also examining the potential relationship between Internet use for sexual arousal and levels of sex addiction. Methods: 390 Italian young adults (67% female, mean age = 23.78, SD = 2.81) completed an online survey. Socio-demographic data (age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, level of education, occupational status, presence of sons/daughters, living alone, relationship status) and information regarding their sexuality (frequency of autoerotism, sexual activities, number of lifetime sexual and romantic partners, use of the Internet for sexual purposes) were collected. Additionally, the Bergen-Yale Sexual Addiction Scale was used to measure levels of sex addiction. A series of regressions, chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney tests and ANOVAs were conducted to identify the socio-demographic and behavioral factors most commonly associated with levels of sex addiction and with the use of the Internet for sexual purposes. Results: The 12% of the sample showed a score at the Bergen-Yale Sex Addiction Scale corresponding to sex addiction. Higher levels of sex addiction were observed among males, those with a lower level of education, individuals who engage in masturbation more frequently, and those with a greater number of lifetime sexual partners. The 86% of the sample (N = 337) reported using the Internet for purposes related to sexual arousal at least once in their lifetime. Having used the Internet at least once in life for purposes related to sexual arousal is more common among males, individuals with non-heterosexual sexual orientation, and those without children. Furthermore, those who have used the Internet at least once in life for purposes related to sexual arousal, compared to those who have not, showed a higher frequency of masturbation, a greater number of lifetime sexual partners without interest in developing a stable relationship and higher levels of sex addiction. Discussion: Our findings underscore the complex interplay between socio-demographic variables and sexual behavior in shaping online sexual activities and the risk of sex addiction among Italian young adults. Particularly, the association between Internet use for sexual arousal, increased masturbation frequency, and a higher number of casual sexual partners suggests potential behavioral patterns influenced by online sexual activities.