Sexual identity expression on the internet: An empirical study of homosexuals, heterosexuals, and bisexuals in India

Jain, Garima, Sahni, Sanjeev P. and Sehgal, Neha (2018) Sexual identity expression on the internet: An empirical study of homosexuals, heterosexuals, and bisexuals in India. In: Internet Infidelity: An Interdisciplinary Insight in a Global Context. Springer, Singapore, pp. 105-131. ISBN 9789811054129

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Abstract

Studies have found that sexual minority experience greater emotional distress, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and depression than their heterosexual peers. This chapter analyses the attitudes of individuals with different sexual orientations towards internet infidelity. A self-administered survey was conducted among 11,056 respondents (1,010 homosexuals, 8,991 heterosexuals, and 1,055 bisexuals) in metropolitan cities in India. Of these, 35.2% admitted to involvement in online infidelity. Meta-analysis yielded three reasons: psychological distress (depression and frustration), social isolation (lack of emotional support, loneliness, and boredom), and external influence (desire to explore and peer pressure). The survey found that while homosexuals attribute their involvement in online infidelity to psychological distress, heterosexuals attribute it to social isolation, and bisexuals to external influence. Homosexuals who admitted their involvement in cybersex were further compared based on relationship status: married, in a relationship, divorced, separated, or widow/widower. The motivations of married individuals with same-sex orientation were also examined, along with its mental health implications.

Item Type: Book Section
Keywords: External influence | Internet infidelity | Psychological distress Social isolation | Sexual orientation
Subjects: Physical, Life and Health Sciences > Computer Science
JGU School/Centre: Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences
Depositing User: Mr Sombir Dahiya
Date Deposited: 31 Dec 2021 11:10
Last Modified: 31 Dec 2021 11:10
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5412-9_7
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/513

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