Exploring the Role of Social Media Content on Sexual Health Behaviors and Decision-Making Among Young Black Females

Abstract

The current study aims to explore the impact of social media platforms on sexual health and decision-making among young Black females. With the vast amount of information available through social media platforms, many lack restrictions that protect young females from harmful information. This study is necessary to understand how to intervene at the micro, meso, and macro level of Black adolescent female experiences, often characterized by stereotypical social scripts of hypersexuality. A qualitative research design was used to engage young Black females regarding sexual health knowledge and factors related to their decision-making processes. Building upon Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis process, which has been widely utilized and tested by Maquire and Delahunt, semi-structured interviews were used to explore the sexual health experiences of 27 young Black females ages 15 to 24. Four themes emerged: the broad landscape of sexual content on social media, motivation for engaging with sexual content online, the influence of social media, and mechanisms that influence sexual activity. Practitioners must propose policy changes that challenge the ill effects of social media engagement and promote optimal sexual health and positive youth development, specifically for young Black females.