I’m inviting you to a very simple game: open a browser and start a search about teenagers and the internet. As you browse through the first few pages of search results, take a bite of chocolate for every result that does not focus on the dangers. I’ll tell you in advance that this experiment won’t threaten your figure.
When discussing teenagers and young people’s use of the internet, words of caution are, of course, far from unwarranted. From research specifically focused on this topic, to current public discourse, to personal, anecdotal examples, we are reminded continuously that using the internet demands a responsible manner. This applies to many routine daily actions in which younger users are also involved, whether they are prepared—or have been prepared—for them or not.
The next part of the game: in the paragraph above, replace the word “internet” with “sex.” Interesting, isn’t it?
When it comes to young individuals who are just beginning to develop self- and social awareness, safety is undoubtedly a priority. Sexual education programs are typically based on this principle, with a strong emphasis on prevention, particularly in helping to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies, which is undeniably an important goal. In the context of internet use, the guidelines can be summarized in much the same way: don’t do anything that could cause harm. Fair and straightforward.
However, we might find ourselves feeling that something is missing when we try to dig deeper into these two topics. Why would we narrow the subject of either sexuality or internet use to just the risks? How could we talk about both in a way that doesn’t ignore the possibilities they offer and everything that can improve our lives? How could we shed light on the social and psychological complexities of both subjects? How can all of this contribute to strengthening an inclusive society?
Luckily, these questions are not left unanswered, as there are many initiatives around the world (and on the world wide web!) that embrace a positive approach to educational programs. Alex, our chatbot, is one of these initiatives.
When designing the chatbot’s content, safety was a primary concern—whether about sex or the internet. However, we aimed to present it in a way that, rather than instilling fear, would engage young users’ curiosity.
This means that alongside emphasising the importance of risks and prevention, young people are encouraged to explore themselves, each other, and the world with openness and curiosity, gaining experience and asking questions at their own pace and according to their own maturity. Alex was developed to provide answers to a wide range of questions.
Nowadays, it’s impossible to discuss young people’s knowledge of sex without considering the internet and its risks (and vice versa!). That’s why Alex includes a chapter dedicated to the topic of the internet and sexual health. In this section, users can explore topics like online safety, verifying the credibility of information found on the internet, the problem of body image as showcased in social media, and essential tips for avoiding online scams—subjects that aren’t necessarily part of the formal, institutional education curriculum. Yet it’s natural that a generation using the internet daily, while also going through various and often unsettling physical and emotional changes, frequently turns to online platforms out of curiosity or doubt.
An online tool like Alex aims to provide a positive response to this, acknowledging that there’s nothing wrong with it. Producing and making accessible high-quality content is an important step toward providing young users with reliable online resources about sex, just as they must know who or where they can turn to with their questions. However, this requires that we—both young people and adults—are capable of adopting a way of speaking that helps us communicate confidently and authentically about such an essential part of human life as sex. Which, in addition to being risky, can also be a deeply experienced joy.
That is the way of speaking we want to convey to Alex: the language of relational awareness, self-knowledge, and mutual respect. Through it, we can discuss inclusivity, consent, joy, love, boundaries, identity—and many other topics closely related to sexual life.
No, it’s not necessarily easy. But if we shift the lens for a moment and look at the landscape beyond risks and prevention, we will soon realize that our efforts open up a broader horizon in front of us.
Picture: rawpixel.com
“IDS Bulletin.” IDS Bulletin. Accessed August 23, 2024.