Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) International Editorial Advisory Board Members

Prof. Rainer Schulze Dr. Senthourn Sunil Raj Prof. Surya B. Parajuli Professor Emeritus Lecturer in Law Prof. & Head Department of History and Co-Director, MA in Human Rights, Department of Community Human Rights Centre Globalization and Justice Research & Development Program University of Essex, UK Keele University, UK Birat Medical College & Teaching E Mail- [email protected] E Mail- [email protected] Hospital, Nepal E Mail- [email protected]

National Editorial Advisory Board Members

Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra Dr. Adarsh Tripathi Prof. Nov Rattan Sharma Senior O & G Specialist Additional Professor Professor Sanjita Maternity Care & Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, King Department of Psychology Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India George's Medical University, Maharshi Dayanand University, E Mail- [email protected] Lucknow, UP, India Rohtak, Haryana, India E Mail- [email protected] E Mail- [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor Dr. Sujit Kumar Kar Dr. Saumya Ranjan Mishra Associate Professor Indian Institute of , Sanjita Department of Psychiatry, King Maternity Care & Hospital George's Medical University, Plot No-1, Ekamra Marg, Unit-6, Lucknow, UP, India Bhubaneswar-751001 E mail- [email protected] E Mail- [email protected]

Editorial Board Members

Prof. Ambalika Sinha Dr. Manju Agarwal Dr. Apurva Kumar Pandya Professor Prof. & Dean Scientist-D Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences Amity University, Lucknow Campus, Regional Resource Centre for Motilal Nehru National Institute of UP, India Health Technology Assessment Technology, Allahabad, UP, India E mail- [email protected] Indian Institute of Public Health, E Mail- [email protected] Gandhinagar, Gujrat, India Dr. Aditya Somani E Mail- [email protected] Dr. S.M. Yashir Arafat Assistant Professor (Psychiatry) Assistant Professor (Psychiatry) All India Institute of Medical Sciences Dr. Rajnikant Swain Enam Medical College & Hospital, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India Assistant Professor, Department of Dhaka, Bangladesh E Mail- [email protected] Forensic Medicine and Toxicology E Mail- [email protected] Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences Mrs. Meha Jain Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Assistant Professor E Mail- [email protected] Dr. Rati Ranjan Sethy (Clinical Psychology) Assistant Professor All India Institute of Medical Miss. Deblina Roy Department of Psychiatry Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India Assistant Professor SCB Medical College E Mail- [email protected] (Psychiatric Nurshing) Cuttack, Odisha,India King George’s Medical University, E Mail- [email protected] Lucknow, UP, India Dr. Russell Kabir E Mail- [email protected] Sr. Lecturer in Research Methods Dr. Pawan Sharma & Course Leader, MSc Public Health Dr. rer.med Marthoenis Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Health Education, Medicine Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry Patan Academy & Health Sciences, & Social Care, Anglia Ruskin & Nursing Kathamandu, Nepal University, Chelmsford, Essex, U.K. Syiah Kuala University, Indonesia E Mail- [email protected] E Mail- [email protected] E Mail- [email protected]

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Contents

Sl. No. Subject Page

1. Editorial 3-4 Sexual evolution during digital revolution 2. Review Article 5-13 Internet usage among today's adolescents: Clinical implications, assessment, and management 3. Review Article 14-21 Online sextortion

4. Review Article 22-28 Cyber law for sexual crimes

5. Review Article 29-36 Psychoanalytic review of the trolling culture regarding female body 6. Review Article 37-46 Female and digital era: To listen to voice of a female 7. Review Article 47-56 Millennium women: Sexual challenges in the digital era 8. Review Article 57-64 Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) online dating experience

9. Original Article 65-72 Self-presentation of males and females in an online dating application: A profile analysis from north India 10. Original Article 73-82 Love at first byte: A mixed-method study about online dating in India 11. Commentary 83-88 Sexual misconceptions in Bangladesh: Role of digital media Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Editorial Sexual evolution during digital revolution

Dr. Sujit Kumar Kar1, Dr. Saumya Ranjan Mishra2 1 Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India 2 Indian Institute of Sexology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

The 21st century is the era of the digital technology addiction, which affected all ages revolution. Digital technology has become and genders (Agarwal and Kar, 2015). an integral part of daily life of most Evidences support that people become individuals. For techno people, the term victims of online , online 'Cloud' has a different meaning, so also the bullying as well as pornography addiction term 'Mouse'. Apple and Blackberry too (Jonsson et al., 2019; Maas et al., 2019; Wéry have different meanings in this digital world. and Billieux, 2017). Digitalization has made the tasks of daily life much easier. Internet is playing a pivotal role Interestingly, sexuality is also evolved in communication. The digital revolution stupendously during this phase of the digital brought significant changes in personal, revolution. The impact of the digital social, professional, and recreational life. It revolution on sexual life can be positive or has dramatically changed the educational and negative. Now, people can search their life- healthcare scenario. Digitalization is not partners through various portals. limited to the developed or high-income Digitalization facilitated dating and online countries. Now, the digital platform is easily friendships. The anxiety and fear available, accessible at an affordable price. As encountered in interacting with the strangers per a recent report, the highest number of and the opposite gender is minimal in the internet users live in Asia though the digital forums than direct contact. The penetration of the internet is high in Europe, beneficial effects of digitalization on sexual North America, and Australia. life are highly appreciable. At the same time, its negative impacts are also not less. With time, people have also witnessed the adverse consequences of digitalization. People get attracted to online sexual content, Excess use of digital technology resulted in which is an easy and undaunted mode to gratify sexual appetite. Due to its instant gratifying nature, pornography is highly Corresponding Author : Dr Sujit Kumar Kar addictive. Pornography addiction is Email : [email protected] How to cite the article : Kar, S.K., Mishra, S.R. emerging as an important form of (2020). Sexual evolution during the digital technology addiction in the digital era (Kar, revolution. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & 2016). This problematic form of cyber sex is Culture, 6(1), 03-04. often extreme and impairing for the DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929119 individuals (Wéry and Billieux, 2017). 03 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Sexual violence in the form of cyber bullying, addiction in adolescents. J Indian Assoc Child revenge porn has emerged. Many people Adolesc Ment Health 11, 170-4. seeking intimacy or friendship on online Jonsson, L.S., Fredlund, C., Priebe, G., Wadsby, platforms become victims of cyberbullying M., Svedin, C.G., 2019. Online sexual abuse of and revenge porn. Several reports of adolescents by a perpetrator met online: a cross- crimerelated to have flooded the sectional study. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry Ment. media during recent times. Health 13, 32. Digitalization is defining sexuality in a new Kar, S., 2016. Lost Online, Then Lust Online. J. fashion. It has given birth to several new Psychiatr. Nurs. 5, 117-119. psychopathologies, which have not yet Maas, M.K., Bray, B.C., Noll, J.G., 2019. Online received any place in the existing diagnostic Sexual Experiences Predict Subsequent Sexual systems (except Internet Gaming Disorder in Health and Victimization Outcomes Among DSM-5). There is a need to understand the Female Adolescents: A Latent Class Analysis. J. emerging sexual-psychopathologies for Youth Adolesc. 48, 837-849. prevention, diagnosis and better treatment. Wéry, A., Billieux, J., 2017. Problematic cybersex: References Conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. Addict. Behav. 64, 238-246. Agarwal, V., Kar, S.K., 2015. Technology

04 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Review Article Internet pornography usage among today's adolescents: Clinical implications, assessment, and management Dr . Pritha Roy Senior Resident, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Date of Submission : Abstract 4 February 2020 The youth of today is hooked to the Internet via various Date of Acceptance : devices exploring a plethora of agencies, mostly in an 5 March 2020 unsupervised manner. The growing, inquisitive mind and body of adolescents pave an easy way of exposure to sexually explicit material on the internet. Traditionally, such acts are looked down upon and usually stigmatized in our society. This article purports to look into recent literature regarding the effect of Internet pornography on adolescents' sexual attitudes, behaviors, underlying neurobiological implications, and provide an overview of Keywords: Pornography, clinical assessment and current understandings about the Adolescent, Internet. management of this problematic behavior.

Introduction temperament or personality), vis-à-vis social Adolescence is derived from the Latin word (parenting, peer, and cultural) factors have a ‘adolescere’ meaning ‘to grow up’. Uniquely major role in the development of adolescent characterized by a myriad of biological, sexuality (Sales et al., 2013). A multitude of psychological, and cognitive transitions, it is a other factors- legal, spiritual, philosophical, critical period of human development. By 3 political, ethical, moral values, etc. also play years of age, a child identifies their gender, significant roles. One salient factor that followed by the subsequent understanding shapes the sexual beliefs, attitudes, and of gender role and gender-specific behaviors behavior of today's media-saturated (Kar et al., 2015). Biological (genetic & adolescents is sexually-explicit material neuro-hormonal), psychological (individual (SEM) on digital media/ pornography. Corresponding Author : Dr Pritha Roy The proliferation of internet-enabled E Mail : [email protected] technology over the last few decades has How to cite the article : Roy, P. (2020). Internet pornography usage among today’s adolescents: facilitated easy and ubiquitous access to the Clinical implications, assessment and management. internet, bringing internet pornography to Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 6(1), 05-13. the mainstream. This has brought about a DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929113 definite change in the way people encounter 05 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) and consume SEM. Even though people of feelings or thoughts, and (b) contains explicit images all ages are exposed to these, recent research or descriptions of sexual acts involving the genitals”. shows a significant increase in the number of The ubiquitous presence of the internet and adolescents who are being exposed to SEM its frequent use in daily life makes it difficult online, either accidentally or intentionally to delineate the thin line where internet use and they consume, create, as well as distribute turns from purposeful to excessive to SEM on the internet (Owens et al., 2012). compulsive. Problematic patterns of Statistical data from numerous countries compulsive use of the internet and other show that more than 90% of adolescents use compulsive behaviors related to internet the internet daily; their online activity being pornography use has emerged to be a global majorly unmonitored and portable (Owens trend (Delmonico and Griffin, 2008, Lam et et al., 2012). This ease of access to a plethora al., 2009), noted across diverse geographical of sexually explicit material (SEM) combined and cultural regions. with the lack of risk attenuation in most adolescents, underlines the important effects Impact of internet pornography on of internet pornography on adolescent adolescents sexuality. Because of the widespread easy Various authors have documented the access of SEM to this large vulnerable impact of internet pornography exposure on section of our societies, it becomes sexual behavior, attitudes, and beliefs of imperative to study its impact on adolescent adolescents. sexuality in a systemic manner, because it plays an important role in cognitive, social, a. On sexual attitudes and beliefs: Even physical and emotional growth as well. This though exposure to pornographic article aims to look into current literature material on the internet can be considered as a normative experience to elucidating the effect of problematic the majority of growing adolescents, a pornography usage on adolescent sexual sense of sexual uncertainty arises due to behavior, in light of clinical implications & conflict between sexual beliefs neurobiological underpinnings and also propagated by family and those through provide an overview of clinical assessment pornography. Adolescents exposed to and management of such adolescents. SEM may develop ‘unrealistic’ attitudes Sexually explicit material (SEM) is towards sex and ‘misleading’ attitudes described as content "that depicts sexual toward relationships (Tsitsika et al., activities in unconcealed ways, often with close-ups 2009). Also, who are more frequently with (aroused) genitals and of oral, anal, or vaginal exposed to SEM unhealthily considers penetration" (Peter and Valkenburg, 2009). these as a useful source of information about sex and even perceives real-world Pornographic internet sites (Tsitsika et al., sex as being ‘more casual and primarily 2009) have been described as "illicit sites physical’, rather than ‘affectionate and portraying sexual behaviors and practices". relational’, i.e. in light of pornographic Pornography has been defined by the U. S depictions. A study (Peter and Attorney General Commission as "any Valkenburg, 2008) on 962 Dutch material that is predominantly sexually explicit and adolescents found an increased intended primarily for " (Mc Manus, frequency of viewing SEM to be 1986). Again, later on, it was described (Reid associated with more sexual et al., 2011) as “any material that (a) elicits sexual preoccupancy ("chronically accessible sex-

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related cognitions"). Also, SEM exposure pornography exposure with sexual has been established to be a cause and a aggression, harassment, consequence of believing that women as well as an attitude about violence are ‘sex objects’. It reinforces an towards women and even bestiality unrealistic ‘pornographic script’ for (Malamuth and Huppin, 2005, Brown body type and sexual performance for and L'Engle, 2009, Alexy et al., 2009). own as well as a (s) However, an interplay of a multitude of (Löfgren-Mårtenson and Månsson, risk factors determines the likelihood 2010). of an adolescent acting in a sexually However, some studies on adolescents aggressive manner following pornography demonstrated a relationship between exposure. A national survey conducted exposure to SEM and positive attitudes at the University of New Hampshire toward premarital and (Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005) found no (Lo and Wei, 2005), whereas numerous established link with sexual aggression studies demonstrated a positive attitude for the majority of males. However, towards (Owens et al., 2012). they found supporting evidence that male users who have 'predisposing risk b. On sexual behavior: A study (Lo and levels' for sexual aggression and are Wei, 2005) on adolescents in Taiwan frequent SEM users, actually exhibit found that exposure to SEM promoted more than four times greater levels of a d o l e s c e n t s ' a c c e p t a n c e a n d sexual aggression. And interestingly, engagement in sexually permissive adolescents who were exposed to behaviors. Similar findings were nonviolent SEM were found to be reported in other studies as well (Braun- ‘equally likely’ to exhibit sexually Courville and Rojas, 2009, Brown and aggressive behavior as compared to L'Engle, 2009). Por nog raphy those who had no exposure to consumption was also positively nonviolent material (Ybarra et al., 2011). associated with high-risk sexual behavior, viz. , intercourse with d. On social behavior: An Israeli study multiple partners, sex under the (Mesch, 2009) on adolescents aged 13- influence of substances, etc. (Braun- 18 years found an inverse relationship Courville and Rojas, 2009, Häggström- between the degree of social interaction Nordin et al., 2005). Also, male internet and bonding with the consumption of pornography consumers were reported sexually explicit material. Also, more to have earlier initiation to first sexual pornography consumption had a intercourse and as compared to significant correlation with a lesser controls (Kraus and Russell, 2008). degree of social integration, specifically However, another study did not find related to school, family, society, and any association between SEM use and religion. SEM consumption was found risky sexual behaviors but states a to be associated with delinquency, connection with adolescents' depressive symptoms, and emotional sociosexual development, sexual maladjustment (Ybarra and Mitchell, beliefs, and attitudes (Koletic et al., 2005). When exposed to pornography 2019). in early adolescence, it contributes to c. Sexual aggression and violence: antisocial behavior, tr uancy, Studies show established link of manipulative behavior and forced (Alexy et al., 2009). 07 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

It would not be overzealous to mention volume of grey matter in the right hereby, that, majority of the current evidence caudate nucleus, while subjects with reinstate the hazardous impact that is more years and more hours of use had traditionally and culturally associated with lower activity in left putamen in exposure of adolescents to Internet response to sexual images. In light of pornography. earlier fMRI studies that show putaminal activation during sexual Neurobiological implications arousal, the authors propose that these 1. Pathological impulsive behaviors such putamen changes may reflect tolerance as internet use, gaming, pornography, brought about by desensitization to compulsive sexual behavior, and sexual stimuli. The subjects with more gambling share neural processes similar amount of SEM consumption had less to substance addiction. They affect the connectivity between the right caudate dopaminergic neurons of the ‘reward nucleus and left DLPFC (dorsolateral circuit’, involving the ventral tegmental prefrontal cortex)- this finding has been area and nucleus accumbens (NAc). noted in heroin addicts (Wang et al., Dopamine level dysfunction in this 2013). tract is associated with impulsive and 3. As compared to the adult brain, risk-taking acts. adolescents have been found to have w‘Supernormal stimuli’-Response to an functional differences (fMRI) in the artificially created stimuli overrides an frontal cortices and in the striatum, the evolutionarily developed genetic regions associated with executive response (Love et al., 2015). Chronic control and affect regulation, internet pornography overuse is highly respectively. stimulating. It activates our reward wAdolescents lack the maturation of system to levels which are higher than frontal cortical circuitry to exert that were typically encountered by our adequate cognitive control to suppress ancestors in course of evolution. This inappropriate sexual thoughts and kick-starts the circuit of addiction; and behaviors elicited as a result of SEM these processes, in turn, induce exposure. neuroplasticity in the reward circuitry. wDeficits in executive function, decision- wCommon reward-seeking behaviors making capacity, impulsivity, and exhibited by adolescents (like the pursuit affective regulation has been of money, novelty, social connections, demonstrated, but any conclusive link is sexual activity, and substance use) yet to be found (Owens et al., 2012). promote growth and learning. So, excess of reward-seeking temperamental wEarlier maturation of limbic systems as tendencies may be associated with a compared to the prefrontal cortex vulnerability to the development of (PFC)in adolescents, which has been high-risk behaviors (Casey and Jones, proposed to create a bias for stimuli that 2010). provoke prominent emotions (i.e., emotionally salient stimuli) over 2. An MRI study (Kühn and Gallinat, inhibitory control (exerted by the PFC) 2014) revealed that longer exposure and (Casey et al., 2011). Also, dysfunction in more hours/ week of internet the prefrontal top-down control over pornography correlated with a lower the subcortical limbic system causing

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hyper-activation of the ventral striatal Diagnosis motivational circuit has been Since pornography addiction is yet to be demonstrated (Galvan et al., 2006). included in any classification system, a 4. Other neuropathways involved: meticulous clinical assessment is the mainstay of diagnosing the problem. Here, wSexual arousal elicited by visual the diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction pornographic stimuli activates other and compulsive sexual behavior disorder are neural pathways mediating other briefly discussed to aid in clinical assessment. functions like- cognition, motivation, emotional arousal, and somatosensory a. A proposed internet addiction experiences (Redouté et al., 2000). diagnostic criteria (Tao et al., 2010) w consists of 3 criteria: symptom criterion Picture-superiority effect- Cortical (seven clinical symptoms), functional and processing and encoding of pictorial psychosocial impairment criterion, stimuli in a more prominent manner course criterion (at least 3 months, with at when compared to other stimuli; has been found among adolescents (White least 6 hours of non-essential internet house et al., 2006). This facilitates the usage per day) and exclusion criterion ( recognition and retention of visual related to psychotic disorders). information over other kinds of stimuli. A score of 2 + 1, i.e., the first two Clinical assessment symptoms (preoccupation and withdrawal symptoms) and at least one An adolescent with problematic consumption out of the five other symptoms of internet pornographic material can (tolerance, lack of control, continued present to a clinical setting with this very excessive usage despite knowledge of problem or with prominent behavioral negative effects/affects, loss of interests complaints or problematic pornographic excluding internet use, and use of the viewing might emerge as a coincidental internet to escape or relieve a dysphoric finding in course of the assessment of other mood)is necessary for a diagnosis. psychological/ psychiatric ailment. b. Compulsive sexual behavior disorder The primary method of assessment has been proposed as an impulse control constitutes a detailed and in-depth clinical disorder in the ICD-11. It is characterized interview. Detailed assessment of the by a persistent pattern of failure to pattern, extent, and consequences of use and control intense, repetitive sexual impulses resulting impairment if any should be or urges, resulting in repetitive sexual enquired. Detailed history, mental status behavior over an extended period (≥ 6 examination, and detailed physical months) that causes marked distress or examination should help in the identification functional impairment. of medical or psychiatric comorbidities The behavioral pattern is manifested by (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, one or more of a) engaging in repetitive or other impulse control disorders). A bio- sexual activities has become a central psycho-social formulation should provide focus of the person's life resulting in relevant information about factors impacting neglect of health and personal care or the problematic use. This can be followed by other interests and responsibilities; b) a motivational interview if the adolescent numerous unsuccessful efforts to control fulfills the criteria for internet addiction. the behavior; c) continues to engage in repetitive sexual behavior despite adverse 09 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

consequences; or d) continues to engage use, is often helpful. Also, if the in the activity even while they derive little professional identifies an addiction, the or no satisfaction from it. problem should be managed in lines of motivational enhancement therapy. c. Rating scales can help in assessing the severity of the problem. Internet 2. Non-pharmacological treatment Addiction Test-a 20 item scale; can help I. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)- assessing specific impairment in areas of Recording and identifying triggers, an individual's life due to excessive examining distorted perceptions and internet use. Other scales available are- beliefs, and recognizing consequences of Internet Sex Screening Test - Adolescent the behavior has shown benefits in (ISST-A), Problematic Internet Use reducing problematic behavior, social Questionnaire, Compulsive Internet Use interaction, and online time management Scale, Chen Internet Addiction Scale, (Delmonico and Griffin, 2008). Internet-Related Addictive Behavior Inventory and Pathological Internet Use ii. Multimodal school-based CBT- This Scale (Pezoa-Jares et al., 2012). involves 3 domains: 1) Group CBT for patients; 2) Psychoeducating the Management teachers; 3) Group cognitive-behavioral 1. Practical considerations parent training. It has shown improvement in emotion and behavioral Working with teenagers itself poses a big regulation in adolescents with Internet challenge, even more so while working addiction. with such sensitive issue of pornography addiction. The practitioner should iii. Some researchers had also integrated the attempt to normalize the encountered principles of motivational interviewing issues by minimizing shame, and being in their studies (Orzack et al., 2006). supportive and nonjudgmental about the iv. Reality Therapy: This therapy assumes problem; this can go a long way in that people are responsible for their lives establishing rapport and provide and their actions, feelings, and thoughts. necessary psychoeducation. Being If one is addicted to a behavior, this is sensitive and aware of adolescents' because of choice. So, by changing our religious, cultural, and traditional norms action and thinking, we can change is a necessary step. One should never behavior. It exhibited improvement in make assumptions or be judgemental addictive behavior and self-esteem in about their clients' values. patients (Pezoa-Jares et al., 2012). The adolescent should be guided to v. Multimodal Psychotherapy : It is a understand and establish their sexual combination of various psychotherapeutic boundaries while providing a safe and approaches and has shown the best trusting environment. It will facilitate evidence till now (Pezoa-Jares et al., them taking well-informed decisions 2012). while facing real-life situations related to their sexual life. Inclusion of family 3. Pharmacological treatment members or guardians in treatment by Not much data could be retrieved from teaching behavioral techniques such as t h e l i t e r a t u r e r e g a r d i n g t h e filtering or blocking devices, limiting pharmacological management of usage time, establishing rules for internet excessive/addictive pornography 10 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

consumption. However, some studies SEM exposure on adolescents i.e., impulsive, have evaluated the efficacy of compulsive and delinquent behavior, is a Escitalopram, Naltrexone, and the global phenomenon as evidenced by the combination of Citalopram and multitude of studies which are not restricted Quetiapine in treating internet addicts to any specific socio-cultural or religious (Pezoa-Jares et al., 2012). Bupropi on has domain. The behavioral, attitudinal, and been reported to reduce the craving for social consequences of such exposure have internet gaming disorder. Also, been proven to be detrimental and warrant methylphenidate is the agent of choice serious attention. The lack of proper for comorbid ADHD and internet video guidelines to diagnose pornography game addiction; it has been shown to addiction poses a problem for clinicians. significantly reduce internet addiction Also, questions as to the cut-off where usage scores and usage times. becomes excessive, and, in turn, sexually compulsive/ addictive remain unanswered. Preventive strategies However, more longitudinal studies 1) Open communication and dialogue focussing on the prospective outcomes in between parents and adolescents adolescents, exposed to inter net regarding internet use and sexual pornography, and more qualitative research behaviors. involving case-studies are necessary for 2) Involvement of extended families, establishing more conclusive findings. schools, etc. to educate adolescents Mental health professionals play a pivotal about safe internet use through role in safeguarding cyberspace security of modeling of appropriate and adolescents. responsible behavior. References 3) Promotion of school-based and family- Alexy, E. M., Burgess, A. W. & Prentky, R. A. based programs for proper education 2009. Pornography use as a risk marker for an and prevention of undesirable aggressive pattern of behavior among sexually behavior. reactive children and adolescents. Journal of the 4) Using filtering or blocking devices by American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 14, parents to prevent inappropriate 442-453. exposure Braun-courville, D. K. & Rojas, M. 2009. 5) Changes in governmental policies, laws, Exposure to sexually explicit web sites and adolescent sexual attitudes and behaviors. and enforcement regarding internet Journal of adolescent health, 45, 156-162. pornography. Brown, J. D. & L'engle, K. L. 2009. X-rated: Conclusion Sexual attitudes and behaviors associated with Every aspect of human life in the current US early adolescents' exposure to sexually explicit media. Communication Research, 36, generation is dependent on technology. 129-151. Growing adolescents, with their immature brain and technologically-charged culture, Casey, B. & Jones, R. M. 2010. Neurobiology of are easily lured into the proliferating world of the adolescent brain and behavior: implications for substance use disorders. Journal of the internet pornography. Though merits and American Academy of Child & Adolescent de-merits of pornography exposure in itself Psychiatry, 49, 1189-1201. have continued to be a matter of many a debate, we can conclude that the deleterious Casey, B., Jones, R. M. & Somerville, L. H. 2011. Braking and accelerating of the adolescent brain. impact of excessive internet pornography/ Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21, 21-33. 11 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Delmonico, D. L. & Griffin, E. J. 2008. Cybersex Malamuth, N. & Huppin, M. 2005. Pornography and the E?teen: What marriage and family and teenagers: The importance of individual therapists should know. Journal of marital and differences. Adolescent medicine clinics, 16, 315. family therapy, 34, 431-444. Mcmanus, M. 1986. Final report of the Attorney Galvan, A., Hare, T. A., Parra, C. E., Penn, J., General's Commission on Pornography. Voss, H., Glover, G. & Casey, B. 2006. Earlier Nashville: Rytledge Hill Pres. development of the accumbens relative to Mesch, G. S. 2009. Social bonds and Internet orbitofrontal cortex might underlie risk-taking pornographic exposure among adolescents. behavior in adolescents. Journal of Journal of Adolescence, 32, 601-618. Neuroscience, 26, 6885-6892. Orzack, M. H., Voluse, A. C., Wolf, D. & Hennen, Häggström-nordin, E., Hanson, U. & Tydén, T. J. 2006. An ongoing study of group treatment for 2005. Associations between pornography men involved in problematic Internet-enabled consumption and sexual practices among sexual behavior. Cyber Psychology & Behavior, adolescents in Sweden. International journal of 9, 348-360. STD & AIDS, 16, 102-107. Owens, E. W., Behun, R. J., Manning, J. C. & Reid, Kar, S. K., Choudhury, A. & Singh, A. P. 2015. R. C. 2012. The impact of Internet pornography Understanding normal development of on adolescents: A review of the research. Sexual adolescent sexuality: A bumpy ride. Journal of Addiction & Compulsivity, 19, 99-122. human reproductive sciences, 8, 70. Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M. 2008. Adolescents' Koletic, G., Kohut, T. & Štulhofer, A. 2019. exposure to sexually explicit internet material and Associations between adolescents' use of sexual preoccupancy: A three-wave panel study. sexually explicit material and risky sexual Media Psychology, 11, 207-234. behavior: A longitudinal assessment. PloS one, 14. Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M. 2009. Adolescents' Kraus, S. W. & Russell, B. 2008. Early sexual exposure to sexually explicit internet material and experiences: The role of Internet access and notions of women as sex objects: Assessing sexually explicit material. CyberPsychology & causality and underlying processes. Journal of behavior, 11, 162-168. Communication, 59, 407-433. Kühn, S. & Gallinat, J. 2014. Brain structure and Pezoa-jares, R., Espinoza-luna, I. & Vasquez- functional connectivity associated with medina, J. 2012. Internet addiction: A review. J. pornography consumption: the brain on porn. Addict. Res. Ther. S, 6. JAMA psychiatry, 71, 827-834. Redouté, J., Stoléru, S., Grégoire, M. C., Costes, Lam, L. T., Peng, Z.-W., Mai, J.-C. & Jing, J. 2009. N., Cinotti, L., Lavenne, F., Le Bars, D., Forest, M. Factors associated with Internet addiction G. & Pujol, J. F. 2000. Brain processing of visual among adolescents. Cyberpsychology & sexual stimuli in human males. Human brain behavior, 12, 551-555. mapping, 11, 162-177. Lo, V.-H. & Wei, R. 2005. Exposure to Internet Reid, R. C., Li, D. S., Gilliland, R., Stein, J. A. & pornography and Taiwanese adolescents' sexual Fong, T. 2011. Reliability, validity, and attitudes and behavior. Journal of Broadcasting psychometric development of the Pornography & Electronic Media, 49, 221-237. Consumption Inventory in a sample of Löfgren-mårtenson, L. & Månsson, S.-A. 2010. hypersexual men. Journal of Sex & Marital Lust, love, and life: A qualitative study of Swedish Therapy, 37, 359-385. adolescents' perceptions and experiences with Sales, J. M., Smearman, E. L., Brody, G. H., pornography. Journal of sex research, 47, 568-579. Milhausen, R., Philibert, R. A. & Diclemente, R. J. Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L. & Hajela, 2013. Factors associated with sexual arousal, R. 2015. Neuroscience of Internet pornography sexual sensation seeking and sexual satisfaction addiction: A review and update. Behavioral among female African American adolescents. sciences, 5, 388-433. Sexual health, 10, 512-521.

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Tao, R., Huang, X., Wang, J., Zhang, H., Zhang, Whitehouse, A. J., Maybery, M. T. & Durkin, K. Y. & Li, M. 2010. Proposed diagnostic criteria for 2006. The development of the picture - internet addiction. Addiction, 105, 556-564. superiority effect. British Journal of Tsitsika, A., Critselis, E., Kormas, G., Developmental Psychology, 24, 767-773. Konstantoulaki, E., Constant Opoulos, A. & Ybarra, M. L. & Mitchell, K. J. 2005. Exposure to Kafetzis, D. 2009. Adolescent pornographic Internet pornography among children and internet site use: a multivariate regression analysis adolescents: A national survey. Cyberpsychology of the predictive factors of use and psychosocial & behavior, 8, 473-486. implications. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 12, 545-550. Ybarra, M. L., Mitchell, K. J., Hamburger, M., Wang, Y., Zhu, J., Li, Q., Li, W., Wu, N., Zheng, Y., Diener West, M. & Leaf, P. J. 2011. X-rated Chang, H., Chen, J. & Wang, W. 2013. Altered material and perpetration of sexually aggressive fronto-striatal and fronto-cerebellar circuits in behavior among children and adolescents: Is heroin-dependent individuals: a resting-state FMRI there a link Aggressive Behavior, 37, 1-18. study. PLoS One, 8.

13 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Review Article Online sextortion Saloni Agrawal National Law Institute University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Date of Submission : Abstract 2 April 2020 Online sextortion is a pervasive cybercrime. In this, Date of Acceptance : perpetrator tends to harass victims by invading their privacy 3 May 2020 and threatening to release and disseminate the victim's intimate images in public if they didn't comply with the demand of additional sexual favors or money. Online sextortion has an acute impact on the mind of victims. It is necessary to support and encourage victims in their fight. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of online sextortion and the preventive Keywards: Sextortion, measures that can be taken to stop this cybercrime. There is Online sextortion, a need for robust legal frameworks to minimize this Sexual extortion, Cybercrime cybercrime.

Introduction various people for criminal activities which are commonly known as cybercrimes The digital era has brought in with it the (Maharashtra Cyber, Home Department, advancement of technology for the use of 2020). Cybercrime, as defined by National mankind. Technology has helped humans to Cybercrime Reporting Portal, is "any unlawful achieve great heights. Now, information is act where computer or communication device or just a click away. Anyone from anywhere can computer network is used to commit or facilitate the easily access the internet to get information commission of a crime" (Indian Cybercrime and upload information. The internet has Reporting Portal, n.d.). Cybercrimes include become part and parcel of human life. The child pornography, sexting, cyberstalking, young generation can be seen using personal online sextortion, etc. computers, laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras, iPods, etc. Today, social media is used by everyone in every part of the world. Anyone can become Though the internet has its good side and various advantages, it has been used by a friend of another without even seeing the person in real life. People have started dating Corresponding Author : Miss Saloni Agrawal online and have termed it as 'online dating'. E Mail: [email protected] While some of these online relationships How to cite the article : Agrawal, S. (2020). have become successful, many have fallen Online sextortion. Indian Journal of Health, into the trap of fake accounts. According to a Sexuality & Culture, 6(1), 14-21. 2015 United Nations report, up to 40% of DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929135 young people aged below 18 years self- 14 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) generated and shared sexually explicit can take place from anywhere by anyone in content online (United Nations Office on the world. It affects the victims emotionally, Drugs and Crime, 2015). Many of the social mentally, and sexually. Online sextortion may media accounts are easily hacked and vary. Most of these cases involve (Thorn, 2017) personal information is used to blackmail wManipulating victims through social and threaten such victims (Goldstein, Tov, & media: Perpetrator mostly gets close to Council., 2018). One such cybercrime is the victims with the help of social media. online sextortion wherein perpetrators of Perpetrator chats on these social such fake accounts or the hackers tend to get networking apps and creates a type of intimate and private images of the victim and environment for the victim that he/she threaten to release these images if they did fully trusts the perpetrator. Many victims not comply with their demands. get tricked in online relationships with This article explains the meaning of online these perpetrators. Victims send them sextortion, makes the readers aware of cases their private images or videos. of sextortion that happened around the Perpetrators then threaten the victims for world. This article also brings to the notice of sexual favors as demanded or money for the stakeholders that there lacks research on not leaking the images or videos. psychiatric disorders among perpetrators of wHacking: Perpetrator may intrude into online sextortion. The article attempts to the social media account or email account highlight the social and psychological or hack the device such as laptops, impacts on the victim by sextortion. The computers, or mobile phones, etc. second part deals with the steps that victims wherein the victim has stored his/her may take when they are being sextorted and private sexual or intimate images and the preventive measures to avoid sextortion. thereby get access to these files to harass In the third part, the author attempts to and threaten the victim. emphasize the need for the active awareness There are instances where the perpetrator of the people and the need for the well- had threatened to distribute, reveal, or framed law on sextortion. disseminate photos. In the case of United Online sextortion States v. Beckett (the United States v. Beckett, 2010) and State v Stancl (State v. Online sextortion is a type of extortion in Stancl, 2009), perpetrator pretended to be a which a person threatens to release or teenage girl on social networking sites and distribute private sexual and intimate images, tricked schoolboys to send their nude photos. videos, or any such material of victim if the Once the perpetrator had these photos, he victim doesn't engage in further sexual threatened to disseminate the photos if they activities or does not provide money to the didn't engage in sex or didn't fulfill other perpetrator (E-Safety Commissioner, n.d.). sexual demands made by him. Online sextortion is a form of , exploitation, coercion, and There are instances where the perpetrator had not only threatened but also has violence. It is terrifying and de-humanizing. disseminated the images and videos. In The phenomenon of online sextortion is United States v. Hutchinson (the United worldwide. It is more prevalent in countries States v. Hutchinson, 2014), the perpetrator like U.S.A., Canada, Philippines, U.K., China, had created a fake account on social media. Japan, etc. He deceived the girls, obtained nude photos, Online sextortion is a very serious issue. It and contact information of them. He

15 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) threatened to reveal these photos to the Civility Index. Findings indicated that 77% family and friends of the victims if they of Indians have reported concerns about didn't provide him with more sexual images. sextortion, revenge porn, or unwanted sexual He has also released and posted photos solicitation (Microsoft News Center India, online of those who didn't act under his demand. 2017). Online sextortion is prevalent in many cities Online sextortion takes place with many in in India as well. There are cases such as the India and around the world. This has affected infamous case of the Punjab and Haryana children, adults, vulnerable groups, and HC where a girl was blackmailed by three established professionals. Not only women seniors of her university to release her nude but also men, gay, transgender, and gender images in public. She was also raped by them non-conforming people are affected. Few (Nayar, 2015). Another story is a case of people report cases of online sextortion Mumbai where a classmate of a girl because they feel ashamed and degraded and maliciously hacked the account of her they couldn't bring the case to the concerned boyfriend and had access to the nude photos authorities (Thorn, 2017). of the girl which she sent to her boyfriend. An insight into mind of perpetrators He wanted and liked the girl and threatened the couple to post the nude photo of the girl The basic question always arises that why a in public (Mihindukulasuriya, 2019). There person commits a crime. There can be are other cases of Mumbai wherein Cyber various reasons ranging from greed, anger, Police says that the victims have complained revenge, pride, jealousy to fun, and more. It that they have visited a certain pornographic depends on the type of crime committed website and thereafter received an email (SCCJR, 2016). Online sextortion is a stating their full names and all the contents cybercrime which is one of the ways to they have watched along with a message sexually assault and exploit the victims by demanding money in the form of threatening them. Some researchers have cryptocurrency. The message also added that covered the question as to why perpetrators if they didn't comply with the demand, the commit sexual harassment, , said pornographic details will be released on of minors, rape of adult women, etc. the victim's social networking accounts But there is lack of research as to why which were also hacked by the perpetrator perpetrators commit online sextortion. (Mengle Enter, 2018). Many factors play important role in the Online sextortion can be done with many commission of this crime. First, it is victims by a single perpetrator. It can be seen committed to a digital world. Second, it by this case where thousands of underage involves either hacking into victims' device/ girls were targeted by a guy. He either hacked account or making victims trust the their accounts or their devices to obtain their perpetrator to share their own sexually obscene images. He sent emails to girls implicit images. Third, there is a threat threatening them to release these images in involved which allows the perpetrator to public or harm their family members if girls extract favors from the victim. Fourth, favors didn't send more images of their bare can range from victims showing his/her and , didn't finger in front of a intimate body parts to sexually hurting webcam, or didn't fulfill any such demands oneself for the pleasure of the perpetrator. made by him. These factors suggest that it is different from the cases of sexual harassment, sexual A survey was conducted by Microsoft in assault, etc and require in-depth research in 2017 across 14 countries through Digital the psychology of the perpetrator. By 16 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) considering the above four mentioned sexual, and intimate images in public, then factors, it can be said that perpetrators do not victims feel fear, betrayed, angry, anxious, commit this crime out of rage but it is well embarrassed, and guilty (Orick; Herrington; planned and executed. LLP Sutcliffe; Legal Momentum, 2016). Victims who fulfill the demand of the Perpetrators can fall under any of these sextortionists, are forced to perform sexual categories: minor-focused cyber sextortion favors such as , strip dancing, perpetrators, intimately violent cyber drinking their , , , sextortion perpetrators (O'Malley & Holt, anal fingering, spanking, etc. in front of 2020), perpetrators of sexual assault against webcam. Sexual activities are pleasurable but adults and perpetrators who are minor done under coercion or threat, it becomes (Robertiello & Karen, 2007) and accordingly sexual assault. The time spent under the the reasons for committing this crime can control of the sextortionist is dreadful and vary. As a general understanding, this crime horrendous. All this is real and the harm is can be committed for reasons such as irreparable (Jurecic, Spera, Wittes, & Poplin, revenge, fun, need for money, substance 2016). abuse, or due to personality disorder or psychiatric illness. Yes, there is a possibility It is easy to blame the victims in cases of that perpetrators may have committed online sextortion as they are the ones who have sextortion due to psychiatric illness and clicked their intimate images or videos or personality disorders. One such psychiatric sent such materials to the sextortionist. The disorder can be sadism as perpetrators derive victims feel that the only option they have is their sexual pleasure from inflicting pain and isolating themselves from society (Leukfeldt humiliation on victims. There is a need for & Malsch, 2018). Children who are the victim research in the possible personality disorders of this are affected the most. They are or psychiatric illness in perpetrators. condemned by their family and friends. Researchers must delve deep into the Young victims fear their social reputation question and find relevant information as the and reputation of their family in the society. crime of online sextortion have a great They fear of being terminated from their impact on the minds of the victim. jobs and prospects. Victims succumbed to these thoughts and therefore fall and fail to Social and psychological impact of come out and lodge complaints against such online sextortion on victims perpetrators. They always have fear of T h e i m p a c t o f i n f o r m a t i o n & threats and the release of their private images communication technology and the cyber and videos. This drains the victims world on society is undeniable. Online emotionally. This also affects the victims sextortion and its effects have a lasting mentally. Sextortion sexually harasses, impact on the mind of victims all over the exploits, and assaults the victim. All these world. The victims feel a loss of control. lead victims to depression, overthinking, and They go into a stage of grief and develop a self-isolation from the family and society. sense of shame (Jurecic, Spera, Wittes, & They either fulfill the demands of the Poplin, 2016). perpetrator or commit suicide. Even today, sexual matters are not openly It is seen that victims generally have the discussed in society. They are considered a feeling that no one can understand what their sensitive subject (Motsomi, Makanjee, & emotions are. They worry about what others Nyasulu., 2016, Turnball, 2012). In this will think about them. They generally say that scenario when perpetrators threaten victims they can't trust anyone again (Hinduja, to disseminate and release their private, 17 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

2016). Victims must realize that it is not their Steps to prevent online sextortion fault and they didn't deserve this. There are Seeing how dreadful online sextortion is for a people like their spouse, family, friends, etc. person, one should keep certain things in who they can trust. Victims might be facing a mind to prevent themselves from getting lot of different emotions but at the end of sextorted. In this digital era, one must know the day victims must remain positive as how much privacy they have while using their taking one's life is not a solution. They have personal devices such as mobile phones, the right to be treated with respect and laptops, computers, etc. One can stop dignity. They have the right to get help and his/her spouse or family members from be safe. using their devices. But without one's Steps that should be taken by the victims awareness, their devices can be tracked, their information and data can be acquired by a It is important to stay safe and secure in the third party easily (Fosdick, 2019). Therefore, cyber world. It is advised that victims should the individuals must be cautious and take not fulfill the demand of the perpetrators as extra care while using their devices to avoid demands and threats keep on increasing and such cybercrime. Some preventive measures victims find themselves in a vicious circle. to avoid online sextortion are as follows: Steps that should be taken if a person is being (Humelnicu, 2017; Legal Momentum, n.d.) extorted: (Cybertip, n.d.) wOne must not store their intimate, sexual private images or videos in their devices as wVictims should be calm and rational. devices are connected to either one's wThey should immediately stop all the email account or cloud. communication from the perpetrator. wOne must not share their sexual and wThey should never send money or private images or videos with any other additional sexual favors as demanded to person on social networking accounts as the offender. these accounts can get easily hacked. w wVictims should inform someone about One must cover webcams when indulging the threat such as spouse or parents. in some sexual activity while using a w computer or laptops. They should keep all the information w they have about the perpetrator such as One must use anti-virus software in their their user names of social media device. accounts, any images or documents sent wDon't interact with the person you by the offender, email address, or any personally don't know on social media. such thing. They shouldn't delete w anything sent by the perpetrator. One must be careful while changing their clothes in trial rooms or hotel rooms and w Victims should report everything restrooms. immediately to the nearby police station wOne must reduce and eliminate internet or cyber crime department. addiction. w Victims should report immediately if the Steps parents should take to prevent their photo or video is posted online to the child from being sextorted: (FBI Pittsburg, online content host (Humelnicu, 2017). 2016) w Victims should be made to consult a wParents must provide sexual and digital counselor. education to their children. 18 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) wParents must be frank with and Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 understand their children. wIPC, 1860 provides for the law of w Parents must monitor the online activities extortion under Sec 383 and Sec 384 of their children. which says that "threat or fear used in order of wParents must teach their children not to delivery of material thing by the victim to the friend with or talk to anyone on social offender" is punishable with the media they do not know in real life. imprisonment for a term extending to Steps educators and policymakers should three years or fine. take to prevent online sextortion: w"Assault or use of criminal force to a woman wParents and students must be made aware with the intent to outrage her " is of the terrible cybercrime of online punishable with the conviction for 2 sextortion. years term under Sec 354 of IPC. w wEducation must be provided on how to Sec 354C of IPC, 1860 says that if the use and protect their social networking perpetrator infringes the privacy of a accounts from being hacked. person and disseminated his/ her private wEducation must be imparted to everyone images then such perpetrator will be about the laws prevalent in the country liable of conviction for a minimum pertaining to online sextortion. period of 1 year which may extend to 3 w years. Cybercrime department should publish w specific data and brochures on online Sec 292 of IPC, 1860 punishes the sextortion. offender who sells or distributes obscene book, paper, or figure conviction for a Laws on online sextortion term which may extend up to 5 years and At least 26 states in the USA have legislation fine. on Sextortion (Greenberg, 2019). Federal IT Act, 2000 state in the USA has also introduced ‘the SHIELD Act’ i.e. ‘Stopping Harmful Image wUnder Sec 66E of IT Act, a person can be Exploitation and limiting Distribution Act, convicted for the term of 3 years or fine 2019’ in the House of Senate to tackle the up to 2 lakhs or both if he intentionally harmful issue of sextortion in the state. It captures, transmits, or publishes the proposes to criminalize knowingly private image of a person in the public distribution of intimate images, threatening without his consent. to distribute the intimate images of a person w in public. Offenders will be convicted for a Sec 67A of IT Act, 2000 punishes a term of up to 5 years and fine (Speier, 2019). person for the conviction for the term of 5 years and fine up to Rs. 10 lakh if that If the victim in India files a complaint of person publishes or transmits material online sextortion then it will be treated under the Indian Penal Code, IT Act, or POCSO which contains sexual implicit act Act. No law in India defines or criminalizes electronically. online sextortion. Only the state of J&K in wSec 67B of IT Act, 2000 punishes a its Ranbir Penal Code (which is no more in person for the imprisonment of 5 years existence) had included 'sextortion' as a term if that person publishes or transmits crime under Sec 354E to prevent people material which contains sexual implicit from exploiting subordinates sexually (AK., act by children electronically. A. 2020).

19 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

POCSO Act, 2012 government should make well-defined laws regarding the issue of online sextortion in Under this act, a person who commits sexual the country. At last, everyone must harassment on a child is punished with the understand that ‘your safety is in your hand’ conviction for a term which may extend to 3 and it is important to be responsible for own years. Sexual harassment includes making a actions in this technology-driven world. child show or exhibits his body or a part of his body, threatening a child to release his real References or fabricated sexually explicit images using AK., A. (2020). Sextortion, modifications to electronic means. Arbitration Act, CrPC: The 37 Central laws that It is recommended that policymakers make a have been made applicable to J&K. Retrieved separate law regarding online sextortion from https:// www. barand bench.com/news/ sextortion-modifications-to-arbitration-act- because present laws do not fulfill the crpc-the-37-central-laws-that-have-been-made- elements of online sextortion. Online applicable-to-jammu-kashmir sextortion involves a threat to release sexual images of the victim. It damages and Cybertip Ca. (n.d.). Sextortion. Retrieved from https://www.cybertip.ca /app/en/ internet _ destroys the dignity of the victim. It forces safety-sextortion. victims to perform sexual favors for the perpetrator. It assaults victims sexually and E Safety Commissioner. (n.d.). Deal with mentally to the extent that sometimes victims Sextortion. Retrieved from https:// www. esafety.gov.au/key-issues/image-based-abuse/ take their own life. It should also be take-action/deal-with-sextortion remembered that the crime of online sextortion can take place from anywhere by FBI Pittsburg. (2016). Sextortion affecting thousands of U.S. children. Retrieved from anyone in the world. The perpetrator can be https:// www.fbi. gov/ contact-us/field- from a different country and of a different offices/pittsburgh /news/ press-releases/ nationality. It requires investigation to track sextortion-affecting thousands-of-u.s.-children the perpetrator. It is also recommended that Fosdick, H. (2019). Privacy in a Digital Age. law should be made strict and severe keeping Retrieved from http://uniforumchicago. org in mind that once an image or video is /slides/Meaning_of_Privacy.pdf. uploaded, it is hard to be removed from all over the internet. It can resurface anytime. Goldstein, D. K., Tov, D. O., & Council., M. D. (2018). The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age. Repercussions that victim has to face are Human Rights Council. unimaginable and unfathomable. Greenberg, P. (2019). Fighting Revenge Porn and Conclusion 'Sextortion'. Legis Brief . Everyone can use the internet easily but few Hinduja, S. (2016). Sextortion. Retrieved from are aware of cybercrimes such as online https://cyberbullying. org/ sextortion sextortion. Online sextortion cases are Humelnicu, I. V. (2017). Sextortion - The Newest increasing day by day. Many cases go Online Threat. AGORA International Journal of unreported due to the mindset of the people. Administration Sciences , 1, 7-13. It is high time that the educators, Indian Cybercrime Reporting Portal. (n.d.). policymakers, professionals make people National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Retrieved aware of the increase in cybercrime and the from https://cybercrime.gov.in/ Webform/ remedies available to them. Researchers, CrimeCatDes.aspx psychologists, psychiatrists, and concerned Jurecic, Q., Spera, C., Wittes, B., & Poplin, C. stakeholders can analyze the reasons for the (2016). Sextortion: Cybersecurity, teenagers and commission of online sextortion by remote sexual assaul. Center for technology perpetrators. It is also emphasized that the innovation at Brookings. 20 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Jurecic, Q., Spera, C., Wittes, B., & Poplin, C. 0886260520909186[Last accessed on (2016). Sextortion: The problem and solutions. 09.03.2020] Brookings. Orick; Herrington; LLP Sutcliffe; Legal Legal Momentum. (n.d.). 9 Tip to prevent Cyber- Momentum. (2016). A call to action: Ending sextortion. Retrieved from https:// www. "Sextortion in the Digital Age". U.S.A: Thomas l e g a l m o m e n t u m . o r g / s i t e s / d e f a u l t / Reuters Foundation. files/reports/9%20Tips%20to%20Prevent%20 Robertiello, G., & K. J. (2007). Can we profile sex Cyber-Sextortion.pdf offenders? A review of sex offender typologies. Leukfeldt, D. R., & Malsch, P. M. (2018). Aggression and Violent Behavior , 12(5), 508- Cybercrime has serious consequences for its 518. victims. Netherlands Institute for the study of SCCJR. (2016). Theories and causes of Crime. Crime and Law Enforcement . Scotland: University of Glasgow. Maharashtra Cyber, Home Department. (2020). Speier, J. (2019). Reps. Speier and Katko Cyber Security Awareness for Citizens. India: introduce Bipartisan bill to address online PricewaterhouseCoopers. exploitation of private images. . Retrieved from Mengle Enter, G. S. (2018). 'Sextortion', now a https://speier.house. gov/ 2019/5/reps-speier- reality in India. The Hindu . and-katko-introduce-bipartisan-bill-address- Microsoft News Center India. (2017). Digital online Civility Index. India: Microsoft. State v. Stancl, No. 2009CF000134. (Wis. Cir. Ct. Mihindukulasuriya, R. (2019). How to save your 2009). child from sextortion on Instagram. ThePrint . Thorn. (2017). Sextortion. U.S.A.: Thorn. Motsomi, K., Makanjee, C., & Nyasulu., P. (2016). Turnball, T. (2012). Communicating about sexual Factors affecting effective communication about matters within a family: Facilitators and barriers. sexual and issues between Education and Health , 2, 40-47. parents and adolescents in zandsprit informal United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime . settlement, Johannesburg, South Africa. The Pan (2015). Study on the Effects of New Information African Medical Journal. , 25, 120. Technologies on the Abuse and Exploitation of Nayar, S. (2015). Blackmail, rape, arrest of 3 law Children. Vienna: English, Publishing and students has campus in turmoil. Indian Express . Library Section, United Nations. O'Malley, R. L., & Holt, K. M. (2020). Cyber United States v. Beckett, 369 F. App'x 52 ( 11th Sextortion: An Exploratory Analysis of Cir 2010). Different Perpetrators Engaging in a Similar United States v. Hutchinson , 588 F. App'x 894 Crime. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. (11th Cir. 2014). Retrieved from https://doi. org/ 10.1177/

21 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Review Article Cyber law for sexual crimes

Huma Fatima1, Jabbar Husain2 1 M Phil trainee (Clinical Psychology), 2Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, U.P., India.

Date of Submission : Abstract 8 April 2020 Cyber-crime is a known entity since the introduction of the Date of Acceptance : internet. Cyber sexual crime is a variant of this. Sexual 29 May 2020 crimes are always present in our society but the internet changed the nature of sexual crimes. It looks like there is a rise in sexual crimes over the internet. We can attribute to this the luxury of anonymity present over the internet. Indian Penal Code, 1860 did not have any section or chapter addressing cyber law. Information Technology Keywords: Cyber-crime, Act, 2000 was a milestone in the Indian Jurisdiction Cyber sexual crime, System. It is a help for addressing, combating, and curbing Cyber law, Indian penal code, cyber-crimes. IT Act is also helpful in creating awareness IT Act, Judicial system. among the masses.

Introduction Definition of cyber-crime Cyber-crime is an amalgamation of two The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines cyber- words i.e. cyber and crime. In common crimes as "Any crime that is committed through parlance, the term cyber is taken to be special knowledge or expert use of computer something relating to the Internet or the technology". Therefore, in cyber-crime virtual world. Whereas, the term crime is an different sorts of criminal offenses might be action not permitted in law and which is a put together and acts with a reasonable civil wrong. Cyber-crime is any crime that is conscience. committed over the internet. Easily, we can The Oxford Dictionary defines crime as "An say that cyber-crime is illegal acts, where, the offense against an individual or the state which is computer system is either a device or prey or punishable by Law". maybe both. The term 'cyber' was given by William Corresponding Author : Miss Huma Fatima Gibson in his 1984 fictional novel E Mail: [email protected] 'Neuromancer'. Cyber is used as a prefix to How to cite the article : Fatima, H., Husain, J., the worldwide field of electronic (2020). Cyber law for sexual crimes. Indian Journal communication. (Giacomini & Zaidi, 2012). of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 6(1), 22-28. DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929139 Crime is an action that is punishable by law. The same can also be used for cybercrime. 22 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

The only aim of the cyber world is to suggest following a person's activities by way of the that computers are used to perpetrate an internet and sending messages (sometimes illegal act and to alert the users of protecting threatening in nature) to the target person or electronic proof, which is inherently fragile. victim, unlawful entering the websites used This crime can, in short, be referred to as by the victim or bombarding with messages electronic crime. Crime is a legal wrong that or e-mails, etc even after his/her constant may culminate in punishment. Cyber-crimes disinterest. are committed against a person, society, or 2. Cyber pornography property. Examples of these crimes are cyberstalking, violation of privacy, Cyber pornography includes pornographic pornography, defamation, e-mail spoofing, websites, online pornographic magazines, and hacking, etc. uploading, downloading, and transmitting pornographic materials unlawfully. It also Reasons of cyber-crime includes sharing with friends and sending There are various reasons for which people them to another communication device. It commit cyber-crimes. For example, in also includes child pornography. computers, data is stored in a very small 3. Defamation space and the data or information can be easily obtained or removed by surely Defamation is a false or fake rumor about a implanting programmed bomb or keyboard person. It can be committed by spoken capturing devices that can steal access code, words or in writing via communication use of improved voice recorders, or retina devices like SMS, MMS, E-mail, etc. A false images that can deceive biometric systems. rumor gets viral through the internet may be The criminals take advantage of these counted as defamation. Defamation has loopholes and lacunas. Furthermore, been defined in Indian Penal Code (IPC), negligence is also part of human conduct and 1860 under section 499 as "Whoever by words, either spoken or intended to be read or by sign or by criminals take advantage of this negligence. visible representations makes or publishes any Criminals are also aware that the data are imputation concerning any person intending to harm, routinely destroyed and this affects the or knowing or having reason to believe that such investigations of crimes (Giacomini & Zaidi, imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, 2012). Moreover, cyber offenders prefer for is said, except in the cases hereinafter excepted, to this crime as it is less physical and more defame that person" (Ranchhoddas & Thakore, mental. Its nature as a white-collar crime 1997). attracts only persons qualified in this arena. Once data stored in cyberspace is breached, it 4. Criminal intimidation ensures access to very huge and sensitive It also has been defined under Indian Penal information at one single place of the virtual Code,1860 as "Whoever threatens another with world. After stealing data, it is much much any injury to his person, reputation or property, or to easier to transmit the same to the destination the person or reputation of anyone in whom that of choice. It also ensures hefty returns person is interested, with intent to cause alarm to that realizing the dream of getting rich overnight. person or to cause that person to do any act which he is Ways of cyber sexual crime not legally bound to do, or to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do, as the means of 1. Cyber bullying avoiding the execution of such threat, commits The term cyberbullying also known as criminal intimidation" (Ranchhoddas & cyberstalking in documentations entails Thakore, 1997).

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5. Obscene act in public Cyber law This involves exchanging or receiving The IT Act (Information Technology Act), pornographic items over the Internet, 2000 is the only federal legislation that disregarding the dignity or modesty of a provides legal recognition to computers and woman by attacking her and disregarding in their liability issues. ‘Actus reus and men's rea’, public the modesty of a woman by word or i.e. illegal act and wrongful intention, must be deed, etc. enforced to remedy criminal liability. Present status of cyber-crime in India Misdeeds alone are not enough for punishment because there is a mandatory According to the latest report of the limit of punishment. ‘Actus non facit reum nisi National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), mens sit rea’, i.e. if an act is done in a total 21,796 cyber crime cases were recorded blameworthy manner then only it could be out of 50,07,044 cognoscible offenses in considered a crime. The Information and 2017 (Bhaskar, 2019). As per NCRB, during Technology Act, 2000 for the very first time 2017, 56.0% of cyber-crime cases registered brings cyber-crimes, punishment, and course were for the motive of fraud (12,213 out of of action for providing it within a legal frame. 21,796 cases) followed by 1,460 cases for It is said that ‘People are fragile so the law is sexual exploitation (6.7%) and 1,002 cases important to protect them’. And so also there for causing disrepute (4.6%) (Bhaskar, 2019). must be laws to safeguard computers against cyber-crime.

Table-1. Classification of cyber-crimes

w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w

w w w w

w

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Table-2. Sexual crimes covered in the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Offense Section Obscene act in a public area Section 294 Scandalizing by an assault on a woman’s Section 354 modesty Scandalization by word or expression of a Section 509

woman's modesty Sending a threatening message by E-Mail or Section 506 SMS

Sending defamatory messages by E-Mail or Section 499 SMS

Table-3. Sexual crimes covered under the Information Technology Act (IT), 2000

Offense Section

To pass on obscene material in electronic form Section 67

Pornography Section 67-A and 67-B

Sending offensive messages Section 66-A

Violation of privacy Section 66-E

Cheating by personation Section 66-D

Modus operandi in cyber sexual crimes also contains phone numbers to cause disturbance to the part of the victim. wViolation of privacy: capturing and publishing the images, pictures, and wObscenity and pornography: Uploading videos of individuals often without the and transmitting obscene and salacious knowledge and thereby causing materials over the internet and causing humiliation and embarrassment. escalation and further transmission. It Normally females are victimized in this also includes images and videos of way by the posting of pictures with a children of such taste. Many national hidden attachment of an unwanted and and international online sharing often harmful message. It sometimes websites have provided a nurturing

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environment for creating, uploading, and Ireland transmitting such kind of materials wChild Trafficking and Pornographic Act, including related to children. They make money by the propagation of such 1998 materials. How to combat and to keep a check on Blocking of these sites has been a challenge cyber-crime both in legal as well as technical means The creation of a cybercrime investigation because the content can be uploaded in the cell under the Central Investigation Bureau different domain name or IP address and (CBI) was an important step in the right hosted in different IP addresses in different direction. geographies. (Basha, 2010). All cases of these crimes are to be decided by Jurisdiction of the court in cyber-crimes the court of law therefore, judges must be carried out outside India fully aware of the provisions of various laws There is a provision of Section 75 of regarding these crimes. Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 E-courts must be established in India. The IT which states that if an act constituting an offense involving a computer is committed Act should be given extensive publicity. And by a person outside India, the court in India lastly, the police force is also must be trained has jurisdiction to see the case. The computer for dealing with these crimes and they should or computer system must be located in India. be thought to be sensitive and cooperative In this case, the nationality of the person with the general public. committing the offense is not pertinent and Conclusion concerning the internet, there is no specific law regarding its jurisdiction. In conclusion, it must be said that it is not easy and even possible to eradicate cyber- Cyber laws related to sexual offenses- crime once and for all especially given the international glimpses latest advanced scientific and technical United Kingdom developments. Nevertheless, it is always w possible to combat or encounter this type of Obscene Publication Act, 1959 crime. To achieve that objective, the first and wProtection of Children Act, 1978 foremost requirement is adequate awareness w among the general public about these types Defamation Act, 1996 of crimes and also about its machinery. They wMalicious Communication Act, 1998 must practice precautions to protect from the cyber-crimes and always be vigilant and USA watchful of their activities as well as others' wChild Online Protection Act, 1998 activities over the internet. wProtection of Children from Sexual References Predators Act, 1998 Akdeniz Y. (2001). Cyber Rights, Protection, and wSpyware Control and Privacy Protection Markets: Articles Governing Pornography and Act, 2000 Child Pornography on the Internet. 32 University of West Los Angeles Law Review 247. w Children Internet Protection Act, 2000 Basha K.N. Justice. Detection of Cyber-crime and Investigation, (2010). http://www.t nsja.tn.

27 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) gov.in/article/Cyber%20Crime%20by%20KN Pollack R.F. (1996). Creating the Standard of a BJ.pdf Global Community: Regulating Pornography on the Internet - an International Concern. 10 Bhaskar, U. (2019). Cyber-crime cases in India Temple International and Comparative Law almost doubled in 2017. https://www. Journal, 467. livemint.com/companies/news/cyber-crime- cases-in-india-almost-doubled-in-2017- Ranchhoddas R, & Thakore D.K. (1997). The 11571735243602.html [Last accessed on 23- Indian Penal Code, New Delhi, India: Wadhwa & 05-2020] Company. Giacomini F, & Zaidi M.H. (2012). Electronic Ratanlal & Dhirajlal. (2008). Indian Penal Code Evidence. Allahabad, India: Alia Law Agency. (31st edition). Delhi, India: LexisNexis India. Muralidhar S. Justice (2008). Avnish Bajaj vs Soanes C & Spooner A. (2001). Compact Oxford State, 29 May, 2008. https:// indian kanoon. Dictionary Thesaurus & Wordpower Guide, org/doc/309722/. Oxford University Press, Indian Edition.

28 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

ReviewArticle Psychoanalytic review of the trolling culture regarding female body Krittika Sinha1, Mirza Sarwar Baig2, Huma Fatima3 1,3 M Phil trainee, 2 Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, U.P., India.

Date of Submission : Abstract 31 March 2020 Internet trolls are people who use their anonymity to Date of Acceptance : persistently, and many times with malafide intentions, 30 May 2020 promote and share things on some internet platforms, boards, and forums. With the advent of time, the trolling has become a medium for asking and doing sexual advances in the realm of the social media making the victim disgust be saying obscene comments or asking for nude pictures or by sending the nude pictures for any sexual advances from the victim in the form of the projection. The reaction to their action is the gate to redemption in their eyes. The certain kind of offline identities of anonymous individuals trolls is unknowable as are their true feelings. One can say that the feeling of guilt that is not being sublimated or used creatively may cause aggressive behavior towards the world outside. Anonymity increases the incidents of the trolling leading to the veracity of the Keywords: Sexual trolling, attack more powerful. The internet is becoming a medium Internet trolling, Melancholia, to invest our insecurities although it is a destructive Anonymity, Transference. practice.

Introduction ways. We are all now present in the universe of the internet. The personality of the The world of the internet is full of internet has been changed with time. Once a knowledge that is available with just a snap of lot of ideas about the free flow of knowledge the fingers to us. The internet has made our and information were filled. There is the lives easier and more comfortable in many right to express yourself unfiltered, which in Corresponding Author : Miss Krittika Sinha the real world does not exist. Many that enjoy E Mail: [email protected] this freedom online are known as trolls, the How to cite the article : Sinha, K., Baig, M.S., term used for searching and discovering Fatima, H. (2020). Psychoanalytic review of the trolling culture regarding female body. Indian victimizations first using an on-line fishing Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 6(1), 29-36. tool. Even those who call themselves trolls DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929149 can only do a small proportion of the actual 29 trolling. Trolls are portrayed as aberrational Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) and antithetic to how ordinary people talk. the loss, one observes that if something is The definition of trolls quickly faded into the absent, it can be psychologically present in monsters hiding in the dark and threatening our fantasy or one could say what is absent is people. Internet trolls are people who use hyper-present in certain spaces producing this anonymity to persistently, and many certain effects. Hence, the one who tends to times with malafide intentions, promote and online might be satisfying certain parts share stuff on some internet platforms, of their ego - it can be assumed as feeding boards, and forums. Some take up the self- one's ego and deriving some satisfaction out righteous role of ‘setting things right’, even of that. Besides, one can think in terms of with a negative turn of events. For example, the masochistic parts of one's ego which are people who post severely racist stuff, being satiated trough trolling and what somehow, suggest that the reaction to that uncanny ghostly effects it is producing for material helps - and not hurts - the race the one who is being trolled, as it can be situation. The reaction to their action is the triggering for certain people. One can also gate of redemption in their eyes. The relative say that the feeling of guilt that is not being age of the word, perhaps earlier in the early to sublimated or used creatively may cause mid-nineties - a lifetime in all internet years - aggressive behavior on to the world outside was one cause of this misunderstanding. At as for their inward libidinal investment - in the time the term ‘trolling’ first applied to invested in the world of imagination. disruptive or otherwise irritating online (Freud. S, 1917; Freud. S, 1940). speech and behavior. Those trollers would Transference, mirror and the ego avoid a particular discussion of non- sequitors, engage in so-called identity theft, Also in the form of trolling can be seen as the or commit various crimes against language matter of power dynamics that is explained and logic. by the French philosopher Jacques Lacan who tries to associate the imaginary with the Freud's initial work restricted spheres of consciousness and self- Freud explains "the notion of sorrow and awareness. It is to register with the closely lamentation as two separate reactions to the object 's linking to what people experience as the son- loss. For Freud, pathological melancholy is unlike psychoanalytic quotidian reality. It mainly normal mourning, but it's a process in which there is a describes that who and what one ‘imagines’ separation from an attachment object that has for the other person to be, and what one, some reason remained incomplete. The melancholic therefore ‘imagines’ when they are person channels his excess libido inward rather than communicating or interacting, who and what disowning the libido invested with the lost object and one ‘imagines’ oneself to be, including from concentrating on another object. As a result, a part or the imagined perspectives of the others in some part of the person identifies with the lost person, terms of society. Such a description indicates resulting in an inner division of self. There is an how they portray the imaginary or internalization of the loved object lost which forms in unconscious core analytic ideas like the psyche a separate entity that is tough, harsh, transference, fantasy, and the ego. It judgmental, angry, and yet attractive. While symbolizes the dependence of the imaginary mourning is associated with the process of conscious on the symbolic (Lacan, 1960). With such a thought which only happens in the person's unconscious description, it describes the dependency psyche." (Freud. S, 1917 ) more towards the sensory-perceptual phenomenon such as images, emotions, and In trolling, one can try to look through the experience of one's body also affects the idea of absent-present as represented in the consciously lived emotions through piece Mourning and Melancholia. It's about 30 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) envisioning of thoughts and feelings of persistently promote and share stuff on others, etc. which are shaped, stirred and some web platforms, boards, and forums, overly determined by the sociolinguistic and many times with malafide intentions. structures and dynamics. Some take on the self-righteous role of ‘setting things right’ even with an event turn Furthermore, one can see the online negative. For example, people who somehow platform as a mirror where one can see post seriously racist stuff suggest that the oneself as present as well as absent. This reaction to that material helps the race screen as the online mirror represents the situation - and does not hurt it. The reaction presence and also the absence at the very to their behavior is in their eyes the path to same time. And, this mirror reflects certain salvation. The social distance linked to the images that are false as well as having some internet provides individuals with a particular partial truth in them. In other words, it is a form of atmosphere that could promote mirror that has twofold functions - it reveals projection and assault by reducing the as well as conceals. In this light, one can see consequential input from the head-on. the trolling culture, how it prevails fear Anonymity increases the intensity and among the victims, and how trolling emerges veracity of the assault by making the distance out of the fear of one's self as to how Lacan's between the attacker and the offending idea of the mirror stage goes. It can be seen victim greater. There is a subject at the pole through Lacan's mirror stage where the of power, in which the co-constituency is subject is constituted as a split or an alienated assumed. Power is a response, it's a see-saw, part of the self in the ‘transformation that and it can change. Relationships between the takes place in the subject when s/he assumes roles of subjects aren't just between subjects. an image’ to be himself or herself (Lacan, Power changes hands and transforms. To be 2004; Fink, 2006). It is where Lacan locates dominated by external force is a unfamiliar the root of paranoia where the transition of and terrifying process. The subject is the mirror stage is seen into ‘paranoiac produced through prevention, then the alienation’ in which the reflective I becomes subject is created by a situation from which it the social I; it can also be seen in contrast with is isolated and differentiated by definition. Freud's model of a paranoid delusion of Desire will try to unravel the subject but will being watched by the external which Freud be shattered by the very subject in whose calls conscience coming from the parental name it works. The topic has to block its own criticism (as given in part-3 'On Narcissism'). will. In this model, a subject turned against The ‘paranoiac alienation’ leads to ‘paranoiac itself (its wish) emerges to be a state of the knowledge’ wherein the subject has a subject's tenacity (Kakar, 2001). distorted relationship with reality and with the others. Since the subject's ego is displaced Subjectivity denies no type of identity but into the other, there is a perversion on the then is based on power to type itself, on the subject's cognition of the external. Besides, fact that it is difficult to learn without Lacan locates the root of psychosis in the dependence, and the attitude of an adult is eruption of symbolic into the real. precisely to reject it and repeat it. ‘Subject’ is often referred to as ‘the person’ or ‘the Power described as being anonymous person’ interchangeable. The genealogy of Anonymity allows people the freedom to do the subject as a crucial category does, something they would not otherwise be however, suggest that this topic should not doing, even saying things that sensible people be directly associated with the person but usually don't say. And ‘internet trolls’ are should be associated as a linguistic category, a people who use this anonymity to placeholder, and a structural knowledge. 31 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Individuals come to inhabit the subject's fear in the absence of the subject. If God domain (the topic appears as a ‘place’ at the would have been present, there would be a same time), and they just appreciate limited source of exercise of power. The intelligibility to the degree that, they are first subject can be omnipresent in his absence established in the language, as it were. The and an absence of over presence that will linguistic stage of its life has been subjected create fear and anxiety. Power is not a thing or is going through ‘subjectivation’. It makes but a relation, ways that the subjects are no sense to regard 'the individual' as an positioned. The fear is a situation in which intelligible reference to individuals or their one pole is absent and exercising upon you. becoming without a prior reference to their This psyche is born with the subject absence position as a subject ( Foucault, M.1985). position. Melancholia is the hyperextension Subjection, a power exerted on a subject, is of the subject's absence. We think of a state still a power assumed by the subject, a but actually, we are thinking of a thing presumption that constitutes the instrument (Foucault, 1985). of the becoming of that subject. The subject The subject takes on itself, and its subjection reiterates its subjection (a notion shared by creates a subject and is a precondition of an both psychoanalysis and Foucaudian entity, so subjection is the account on which a accounts) to the act of opposing subject is the guarantor of its resistance and subordination. The power which initiates the opposition. Whether power is conceived as subject does not remain constant with the preceding the subject or as its instrumental power which is the agent of the subject. A effect, the vacillation between the two significant and potentially enabling reversal temporal modalities of power (‘before’ and occurs when power shifts from its status as ‘after’ the subject) has marked most of the of the condition of the agency to the subjects debate about the subject and the agency 'own' agency (constituting an appearance of issue. Like other French thinkers of his time power in which the subject appears as the such as Louis Althusser, Foucault rejects the condition of its 'own' power). humanist notion of a free and fair subject for Authority works on the subjects in at least a view of it as decided by a structure of two ways:- firstly as what makes the subject power relations. The foundation of Foucault possible, the state of its potential and its 's view in ‘The Subject and Control’ is the formative ability, and secondly as what is belief that control is not exercised through picked up and repeated in the ‘personal’ coercion but through ‘individuals’ acting of the subject. As a subject of power, manufacturing. Foucault notices the double the subject overshadows its emergent sense of ‘subject’, which is subjected to both condition, it overshadows power with power. a self-conscious subject of something and The situation not only makes the subject something which is regulated. Both of these possible but also factors into the definitions interweave in Foucault 's way of development of the subject. Power goes examining the relationship between subject across people and passes across person to and control. person. Even if the subject is gone they are Foucault begins his description of power as still under the gaze or watched or in the spell. transforming the subject into an object, an They become the docile object of control. object of knowledge, language, and power For example, for a widow absence of a mediated through it and creating subjects. He subject gives an overpowering impact but describes three ways of objecting which when the subject is present there is a field of make individuals subjects. The first way is negotiation. The omnipresence of God inquiry modes that aspire to the status of makes us believe in an invisible power that we 32 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) science that produces ‘objective’ knowledge obscene comments or asking for nude about the subject, thereby objectivating life pictures or by sending the nude pictures for itself (Kritzman, 1996). Foucault's second any sexual advances from the victim in the form of objectification defines it as having to form of the projection. do with separation and differentiation, such The societal hierarchy and the media as those made between madness and sane, representation of women neatly effect that criminals and law-abiding people (the we see the female body as an introjection or notions given in his ‘Discipline and Punish’ the subject of desire for fulfilling the or ‘Madness and Civilisation’). The third repressed thoughts. Our mood and form of objectification has to do with how discussion modes also play a vital role in individuals become objects by linking sadistically trolling a female over the internet. themselves with broader systems in Trolls project their anxieties on to the other relationships, such as sexual preference person (female) as an entity of desire but also (discussed in the ‘Origin of Sexuality’ by a means of catharsis. Foucault). Being invisible or anonymous gives us the Next, Foucault turns his attention to the leverage to give our ideas a framework that essence of control that he believes is exerted we can say anything due to our freedom and by control relationships to make use of acts to alter others' actions. Therefore, power no one is keeping a watch over our actions. only exists when putting into action and is The troller abuses his victim verbally and not a function of, or dependent on, consent; mentally. He infiltrates her defenses, shatters although consent may be granted. Power her trust in herself, confuses her and then does not act directly on another; it acts confounds her, demeans and debases her. He to take action which affects others' actions. invades her territory, abuses her confidence, Power isn't aggression, but it can be exhausts her resources, hurts her loved ones, combined with abuse. There are two essential threatens her stability and security, enmeshes elements required to articulate a power relationship; the ‘other’ is always maintained her in his paranoid state of mind, scares her as an acting person and as potential actions out of her wits, prevents satisfaction and an endless number of options are available. causes frustration, humiliates and insults her Therefore, the exercise of power involves in private and in public, points out her direction from the actions of another, and shortcomings, criticizes her profusely and in this is achieved through 'law' as a means of a man of ‘scientific and objective’. Very often structuring the possible option of actions of the sadistic acts of the troller disguise the governed; a way of structuring the themselves as an enlightened interest in his possibilities open to a subject. In the victim's welfare. He plays the psychiatrist interplay between acts directed by the (totally dreamt up by him) to her government, we see that there has to be an psychopathology. He acts the guru, the figure essential factor, and that factor is of the avuncular or father, the teacher, the independence. Power can only be exercised only true friend, the old, the experienced. All over a free subject, and only in so far as it is this to weaken her defenses and put her free. disintegrating nerves under siege (Freud, 1940). Sexuality in the times of social media Online trolling from a sexual abuser (the Since the advent of social media, the trolling victim being trolled sexually) would be highly has become a medium for asking and doing traumatic for her who then later infuses sexual advances in the realm of the social extreme paranoia and insecurities in her media making the victim disgust be saying psyche. This trauma is likely to manifest in 33 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) certain situations where she has great disgusting language while confronted with difficulty with relationships or object the other women. There is a relation between relations as there has been a distortion in the the non-productivity of men in the real world previous patterns of her object relations. and their rage-filled attack on women in the virtual world. The virtual world becomes the As Freud says, what man fears is his libido. In space for venting out their frustration and this context, one can see how the victim's rage without having to confront the other paranoia may block his libido to be invested who is absent-present. So it is more in any object outside her inner world. convenient to abuse them sexually or Consequently, it might make a person otherwise without actually realizing the effect delusional as well for the libido is only being of their words and actions on their victims. invested in her imaginary world from where For a narcissistic person, the other does not it returns to self, and can cause delusions get born. Similarly, social media feeds into (Freud, 1914). their narcissistic self by making the other A study published in NIMHANS revealed a only partially present. The rest of the work is pattern behind trolling through which any done by a projection of the hateful parts in ordinary person can act like a troll. It revealed oneself for the other community or gender, that both negative mood and seeing other which makes it legitimate in the mind of the troll posts by others significantly increase abuser or troll, they are convinced that what trolling behavior. It shows a fun element they are doing is right. attached to trolling. It is like a group of men The French feminist Luce Irigaray in her going on a hunting expedition. In the essay 'When the Goods Get Together', modern world, they do so on social media discusses how women have conventionally and their prey is women. Women who do not been treated as goods exchanged between fit into the social norms of meek and passive men. Hence, it offends the male ego when are trolled the most. Men exercise their they see liberal and emancipated women aggressive instinct to defend their world exercising their agency and registering their seeing women doing great in professional desires. When women desire, it is the man arenas while these men sitting at home who becomes the subject of their gaze. As probably unemployed. It pricks their male Laura Mulvey, the British feminist film critic, ego which they avenge by trolling these discusses in her essay ‘Visual Pleasure and women. Social media creates the possibility Narrative Cinema’, that cinema has always for their baser instincts to get manifested been made from the perspective of male with lowering of defenses or without fear of spectator putting him in a masculine subject punishment. The cyber laws are not being position while putting the woman as the very strictly implemented until now to create object of attention on the screen and the a sense of deterrence in their minds. A rape ‘male stare’. Mulvey indicates two distinct threat to a woman on social media has forms of male voyeuristic gaze (i.e. seeing a become the norm. The reason behind this is woman as a picture ‘to be stared at’) and also due to the degrading of the language of fetishistic (i.e. seeing a woman as a public discourse in general whether on social replacement for the underlying psychoanalytic media or mainstream media. Even celebrity fear of castration ‘the lack’) In the virtual personalities do not refrain from writing an world, which is akin to cinematic world, appealing post whose hate is either directed when these men, who have been bred on at another community or gender. Communal such phallocentric representations, see hatred gets displaced towards the other women taking an active role and becoming woman. It leads to the use of sexualized and the subject of their desires, this creates a 34 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) sense of castration anxiety in male's psyche counter-discourse to their usual perception which is displaced in form of rage and hatred of hero bullying a heroine who first denies which gets unleashed on the social media and then accepts his advances. This when they see other men also accompanying perception that the 'no' of women is only a them by sharing similar posts and similar meek gesture of saying yes later if a man tries emotions, their fear is diminished. harder needs to be changed. Conclusion The need of the hour is to look at various conditions or the socio-cultural influences Hence, the one who tends to troll online that create such a tradition of trolling. The might be satisfying certain parts of one's ego internet is becoming a medium to invest our - it can be assumed as feeding one's ego and anxieties and not thinking about the deriving some satisfaction out of that. repercussions of trolling and affecting the Besides, one can think in terms of the victims mentally and incite a sense of guilt masochistic parts of one's ego which are and shame within them, and it can be stated being satiated trough trolling and what that the purpose of trollers has been fulfilled. uncanny ghostly effects it is producing for the one who is being trolled as it can be References triggering for certain people. Furthermore, Freud, S. (1917). Mourning and Melancholia. The one can see the online platform as a mirror Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological where one can see oneself as present as well Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIV (1914- as absent. 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36 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Review Article Female sexual dysfunctionand digital era: To listen to voice of a female Dr. Debadatta Mohapatra1, Dr. Suvendu Narayan Mishra2, Dr. Swayanka Samantaray3 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 2 Professor, Department of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 3 PG Trainee, Department of Psychiatry, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Date of Submission : Abstract 24 April 2020 Sexual function is a complex process involving interaction Date of Acceptance : between neural system, vascular system, endocrinological 25 May 2020 and psychological system. Sexual dysfunction has it's separate position in the classificatory system like DSM 5, showing increasing importance. Although studies are less showing the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction in females, it can be stated that in females it is 43% as compared to males (31%). Among the various types of sexual dysfunction most common type is low sexual interest (26%). Less than one-third of females seek medical attention for their sexual problems. Since the use of digital technology is increasing now, it impacts on sexual life is of great concern. Studies show that it has various negative impacts where as some studies also show some positive impacts. Adequate knowledge about sexual function and dysfunction is essential for managing this unreached area. The use of digital technology can be of much help in not only providing education to the patient Keywords: Female, but also help in managing some aspects of female sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction, Digital era.

Introduction good quality of life. A complex and coordinated neurovascular process along Human sexual function is not only essential with the adequate functioning of the vascular for reproduction but also important to have a and endocrine system is essential for sexuality. However, psychological factors, a Corresponding Author : Dr Debadatta Mohapatra person's upbringing, interpersonal relations, E Mail: [email protected] family, and religious beliefs, also have a How to cite the article : Mohapatra, D., Mishra, S.N., strong impact on sexual life (Althof, S. E., & Samantaray, S. (2020). Female sexual dysfunction and digital era: To listen to voice of a female. Indian Journal Needle, R. B. (2013). Among other risk of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 6(1), 37-46. factors, age, education, experience (sexual), DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929183 and poor health status also cannot be neglected. 37 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Sexual dysfunction can result from a breach dysfunction the same as DSM IV-TR in any of the above factors. Female sexual recognizing all the five types(World Health dysfunction (FSD) is a progressive and Organization, 1992). As compared to male extremely prevalent condition, commonly sexual dysfunction, which is extensively presented as symptoms like reduced vaginal studied, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is lubrication, dyspareunia, low arousal, and significantly less understood and is more difficulty in achieving . World Health complex (Allahdadi et al., 2009). Organization (WHO) defines female sexual dysfunction as 'the various ways in which a Epidemiology of female sexual woman is unable to participate in a sexual dysfunction relationship as she would wish'(NIH Consensus Development Panel on After a thorough literature search in Pub Impotence. 1993). A descriptive definition Med, Google Scholar, and Scopus, we could of FSD includes the persistent/recurring find limited literature on the incidence and decrease in sexual desire or arousal, the prevalence of most aspects of female sexual difficulty/inability to achieve an orgasm, dysfunction. However, a study by Frank et al and/or the feeling of pain during sexual in 1978, which was done around 40 years ago intercourse diminished , found that 76% of females at that time decreased sense of arousal and difficulty in experienced some indications of sexual achieving orgasm (Salonia et al., 2004) dysfunction whereas 40% of males complain of (Smith et al., 2012). In 1998 in the American Psychiatric The consensus statement by the 4th Association's Diagnostic and Statistical international consultation on sexual Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) the medicine in 2016 on their review found that diagnosis of female sexual dysfunction was the incidence of sexual dysfunction in introduced for the first time. However, females 36% (Wetlesen, 1996) to 40% (Fugl- DMS-IV categorizes sexual dysfunctions Meyer, 2002; Martin et al., 2014), whereas in according to the disruption in the phases of males the incidence is around 31% the sexual response cycle such as Hypoactive (Laumann et al., 1999). The most common Sexual Desire Disorder, Sexual Aversion types of sexual dysfunction in females being Disorder, Sexual Arousal Disorder, low sexual interest (26%), followed by Orgasmic Disorder and Sexual Pain delayed orgasm (11%), vaginal dryness (9%), Disorders like vaginismus, dyspareunia. and dyspareunia being 5%. Whereas, in a (American Psychiatric Association. 2000). study by Laumann et al 1999 and the data Whereas DSM (American Psychiatry from the US National Health and Social life Association, 2013)has given more survey it was found that43% of females importance to Sexual Dysfunctions and suffer from sexual dysfunction compared to Gender Dysphoria has been separated which males, where the percentage is around 31% was included in DSM IV-TR as Sexual and (Laumann, 1999). Despite the differences in Disorders. DSM 5 various studies, such as the difference in the recognized three types of female sexual use of the method, unavailability of proper dysfunction, Female Sexual Interest/Arousal definition it can be reasonably stated that the Disorder, Female Orgasmic Disorder, and Genito-pelvic pain/Penetration Disorder prevalence of females reporting at least one with the deletion of Sexual Aversion symptom of sexual dysfunction is Disorder (American Psychiatry Association, approximately 40% to 50%, irrespective of 2013). International Classification of age. Females sexual dysfunction has an Diseases ICD 10 classifies sexual overlap of presentation among various types

38 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) of dysfunctions as compared to male sexual quality of sleep, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. dysfunction, where the dysfunctions are The authors suggested the role of usually in one or two discrete areas (Mc Cabe, psychotherapy along with medical et al. 2016). Looking into these figures it can management in patients with endometriosis be concluded that sexual dysfunction in (Youseflu et al., 2020). , childbirth, females is more prevalent than that of males. perineal lacerations, postpartum depression, Sexual dysfunction can lead to impaired breast feeding can have an impact on female quality of life. In a study by Balon et al, the sexual dysfunction post-partum (Leeman & burden of sexual dysfunction is poorly Rogers, 2012). Patients' age, creatinine level, identified and underappreciated. Male sexual low-density lipoprotein, and diastolic blood dysfunctions, like ED and PME, cause pressure can also influence sexual significant financial burden and loss of daily dysfunction. Chronic renal failure can also be work and also lead to a definite psychological the negative predictor of the Female Sexual burden. However only one study by Function Index (Nikoobakht et al., 2020). Goldmeier et al, 2004, which was assessing the burden of female sexual dysfunction, Ongoing epidemiological studies in women addressed the only financial burden of suggest that age, hypertension, cigarette female sexual dysfunction with a lack of data smoking, hypercholesterolemia, as well as regarding, quality of life and psychological pelvic surgeries, breast cancer, HIV Chronic burden (Balon, 2017). hepatitis C, urinary incontinence, Neuro Bechet's disease (NBD) hurt sexuality in all Causes of female sexual dysfunction but especially on arousal and vaginal lubrication are also associated with female In a recent systematic review by Travera et al sexual dysfunction (Kedde, 2013; Bell, 2006; in 2020, including 67 studies, it was observed Elshimi, 2014; Duralde, 2017; Hayriye that there is a significant association of Sorgun, 2020). Female sexual dysfunction is cognitive processing factors and various showed in 77.8% of women of Parkinson's sexual dysfunctions in both males and disease treated with Deep Brain Stimulation females. The main cognitive factors of Sub Thalamic Nucleus (Pedro et al., identified are a cognitive distraction and 2020). Female sexual dysfunction affects 21- attentional focus, automatic thoughts and 41% of women with beta-thalassemia minor sexual cognitions, causal attributions to worldwide (Keşkek et al., 2020). Endocrine negative sexual events, efficacy expectations, disorders involving pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and perceived performance demands gland, gonads, metabolic disorders have a (Tavares, et al. 2020). Sexual self-concept significant effect on female sexual affecting a person's attitude towards sex is dysfunction(Carosa et al., 2020). Sexual affected by biological also psychological and dysfunction occurs in 40%-60% of patients social factors. The personality of a female, with major depressive disorder (MDD) due body image, sexual abuse in childhood, the to either the condition itself and/or the small size of secondary sexual characters, antidepressant (Freeman et al., 2020). The and thereby inhibition from exposure, are level of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia among the other psychological factors. patients was found to be high and is Among the social factors is the role of correlated with different factors such as parents and brought up, peer group and single, divorced, widowed, relapse, and poor media are much significant (Potki et al., quality of life. Almost all anti-epileptic drugs 2017). Endometriosis can lead to sexual is associated with sexual dysfunction if dysfunction in females with risk factors like females (Petersen et al., 2020). higher rates of anxiety, depression, poor 39 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Perceptions and cognitions about the consumes lots of time and energy which in female sexual dysfunction return affects various aspects of the life of an individual. The study by Alimoradi et al in As compared to men less than one-third of 2019 involving 938 participants found that women seek medical attention for distressing there occurs a reduction of intimacy and sexual dysfunction (Shifren et al., 2009). The perceived social support among those who majority, among the one third, reach the use social media. These in turn lead to the primary care physicians or gynecologists. variation in the relationship of social media Another issue is the physician's hesitancy in use and sexual function (31.1%) and sexual asking patients about their sexual life. distress (45.6%). The role of social media use Probably, lots of factors play a role in this in causing sexual dysfunction can be direct or two-sided hesitation. The factors like may be indirect. Musses et al., 2015 in their transference, insufficient knowledge, fear of study showed that sexual compatibility and crossing the limits inhibit the patient from sexual satisfaction are negatively influenced seeking help. Psychiatrists are being reluctant by the online use of sexual activity with because of counter transference, improper sexual content. The and satisfaction training, fear of being accused of boundary between partners in a relationship are violations, etc (Solursh et al., 2003). In one negatively interfered with by the use of study, 73% of women did not ask about their digital technology (Mc Daniel & Coy, 2014). issues because of embarrassment whereas, 15% thought of the reduction in sexual There occurs a bidirectional relationship functioning to be normal and hence never between anxiety and sexual performance. asked (Humphery & Nazareth, 2001). The above study by Alimoradi et al 2019 Therefore, some common misperceptions found that depression and anxiety were prevailing among the physicians are, women significantly associated with female sexual usually do not want to been quired about dysfunction. Performance anxiety also might their sexual problems, or else it's very difficult end up on internet use. The use of online to treat sexual problems (Buster, 2013). sexual activities and other sexual content Moving to the digital era only affects the quality of sexual relationships if individuals (Zheng & Zheng, In a study by Anand et al., in 2017, it was 2014). As sensation seeking is an important noticed that approximately 3.77 billion predictor of online sexual activities, there people in the world have access to the occurs a shift to virtual sexual activity internet with their computers /smart (online) from the actual one. The tendency phones. Data from inter national of getting new and exciting sexual telecommunication union found that about experiences is also an important maintaining 94% of young age people around 15–24 factor for these online activities. Increased years has been found to use the internet in use of online pornography reduces moral developed countries whereas around 67% values and in turn causing violence against use in developing countries Among those women and negatively impact sexual health who use internet, social media users are (Lim et al., 2016). Anxiety increases even also around 71% which suggests that around 3 watching nonviolent pornography billion people will be using social media by particularly in adolescents who have lesser the end of 2021. exposure and the online activities are Impact of digital technology on sexual accepted as real not virtual. Which in turn life negatively affects the sexual behavior of a person, leading to unrealistic expectations Being involved in internet-based activities and hence sexual dysfunction particularly in 40 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) adolescents. Among other alarms are the muscle relaxation and vasodilatation. Its role non-use of in pornography, for penile is established but in influences the body image, and the possibility clitoral stimulation, studies are underway. of addiction (Rostad et al., 2019). Violent Likewise, the role of Bremelanoptide, a pornography use is significantly associated synthetic analog of MSH(Melanonocortin with attitudes supporting violence against Stimulating Hormone) receptor MC3, MC4, women, is revealed by a meta-analysis of non intranasal testosterone, intravaginal experimental studies (Hald et al., 2010). dehydroepiandrosterone, PDE5 inhibitors, Apomorphine, Bupropion and Trazodone Positive impact of digital technology on are not promising in case of female sexual sexual life dysfunction (Belkin et al. , 2015).

Sexual desire, attitude, and behavior were Psychotherapeutic techniques can be of positively and significantly correlated with much help considering the unavailability of using online sexual materials. Sexual life can pharmacological agents and the role of be happier and more acceptable by either or psychological and social factors in female both partners by changing their attitude sexual dysfunction. Many females get towards sex and reducing the uneasiness with benefited by mere psychoeducation. The the use of the internet (Weinberg, et al., age-old PLISSIT method is of use till now 2010). Using pornography has increased for the treatment of sexual issues (Annon, openness in discussing sexual life. Some of 1976). Among other interventions, those are Australian and Danish (McKee, 2007; Hald significantly beneficial are basic counseling, & Malamuth, 2008) studies found that there psychotherapeutic options for individual have been significantly more positive effects women focussing on body, pelvic floor, attributed to the use of pornography rather cognitive behavior therapy, couple therapy, than negative effects. The areas showing couple communication training, psychodynamic improvement are overall , being more couple therapy, and couple , etc comfortable than before the use of (Bitzer & Brandenburg, 2009). pornography and open-minded discussion about sex, and also being more attentive to Use of the internet in the management each other's sexual pleasure. Likewise, in another study from the US with 245 students, Promising the role of psychotherapy in the it was shown that exploring new sexual management of female sexual dysfunction behaviors and being a source of can be of benefit when a patient visits the empowerment for the viewer, building doctor and the doctor has adequate confidence in the females was associated knowledge about specific therapies. with viewing pornography. Considering the scarcity of resource persons, the use of digital technology can be sought at Mana gement of female sexual various levels. Internet use can be of use in dysfunction the management of female sexual dysfunction like anxiety and depression. Because of the complexities of understanding of female sexual dysfunction The advantage of digital technology over the and scarcity of literature, the innovative direct face to face contact is: 1. When an treatment options are also in the stage of individual is worried about being judged, development. Topical Alprostadil, a internet maintains the anonymity; 2. Results synthetic prostaglandin E1(PGE1) which in an increase in the self-esteem of the acts on the cAMP levels and leads to smooth individual as the patient becomes more active 41 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) and responsible and attributes the intervention in females with sexual desire improvement to herself; 3. The coexistence problems and sexual arousal problems led to of the doctor and the patient at a time and significant improvement in the Female space is not required (Andersson & Titov, Sexual Function Index (FSFI). In a study by 2014). Internet interventions showed Lisa M Jones et al including 39 female improvement in sexual function, increased patients, the use of internet-based sexually active individuals, and increased use psychological therapy, they have structured a of sexual aids, but with clinician guidance therapy named ‘Revive’ which included three (Schover et al., 2020). Although internet- well-validated treatments like communication based psychotherapies can be assumed to be skills training, sensate focus, and regular of great help studies are lacking supporting email contact with a therapist. It was the role. Few studies in male ED and PME observed that females with sexual prove that internet-based sexual therapy are dysfunction, those who completed ‘Revive’ of significant help (Van Lankveld et al., showed significant improvement in 2009). It has been earlier stated that female's communication, sexual intimacy, and sexual satisfaction improves after watching emotional intimacy as compared to those porn, which can be used in psychoeducation. who did not receive treatment (Jones & Mc Various literature is in support of the use of Cabe, 2011). internet-based psychoeducation in the early phase of psychoeducation for male and Conclusion female sexuality, also at a later stage of Female sexual problems are least studied and treatment (e.g., in the case of female the most neglected aspect as compared to hypoactive sexual desire), or in couple male sexual dysfunction. The knowledge therapy (Jannini, 2012; Hummel et al., 2018). about female sexual dysfunction has come a Since internet-based therapy is useful in long way and leads to a detailed and extensive reducing anxiety, sexual dysfunction coupled understanding of female sexuality and with anxiety can be benefitted from this female sexual disorders. There is still room therapy. Research by Hummel et al found for understanding the various socio-cultural that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) aspects of women's sexual health issues as focused on the internet dramatically well as creating awareness among men and increases sexual appetite, sexual anticipation, women regarding the same. Digital vaginal lubrication, sexual pain, sexual technology has some positive and negative anxiety, and body image in 84 survivors of impacts on sexual life. However, the positive breast cancer. The positive effects of the aspect of digital technology can be used for intervention on the overall sexual psychoeducation and which in turn can functioning were not only immediate but reduce some burden of sexual dysfunction. held for a 3- and 9-months follow-up (Mc We are still ignorant about the digital culture Cabe, 2001). Effectiveness of short-term affecting female sexual dysfunction and there CBT for female sexual dysfunction has been is so much to explore in this front. We can showing in a study by Mc Cade with 44.4% only hope that our quest for understanding females showing complete improvement the mystery of female sexuality continues for after the CBT program Van Lankveld et al., the benefit and advancement of humankind. (2016) while conducting a study in 199 References couples with sexual dysfunction also demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT. Allahdadi, K. J., Tostes, R. C., & Webb, R. C. Brotto et al., (2008) found that three-session (2009). Female sexual dysfunction: therapeutic options and experimental challenges. mindfulness-based psychoeducational 42 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

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46 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Review Article Millennium women: Sexual challenges in the digital era Dr . Srijeeta Mukherjee PG Trainee, Department of Psychiatry, MKCG Medical College, Brahmapur, Ganjam, Odisha,

Date of Submission : Abstract 30 March 2020 Date of Acceptance : Contemporary life is rapidly becoming digitalized. 30 May 2020 Technology has percolated all spheres of human existence, blurring the dichotomy between online and off-line. Social structures and discriminations already existing in everyday lives have also spilled online. Hate, abuse, misogyny has encroached online spaces aiming to demean, hurt, and humiliate women and are a serious threat to the right of free speech. In this article, we look at how digital platforms and paradoxically helpful in generating awareness and improving participation via social media with more and more women sharing their experiences via #Testimonials ( Keywords: Online hate, # MeToo, #NotOkay, #raped never reported, etc ) and Cyber sexual harassment, survivor selfies that go viral and generate public outcry that Indian cyber laws, Digilantism, mobilizes socio-cultural and socio-political changes that Psychological issues. strives to decrease the age-old gender divide.

Introduction changed the ways we communicate, form relationships, and access information Digital technologies including smartphones, (Lupton, 2014). social networking sites, video hosting sites, online multiplayer gaming, clouds/dropbox The government of India recognizes the services, blogs, wearables with activity need to empower Indian citizens digitally and tracking, etc have dramatically changed increase digital literacy, launched the ‘Digital contemporary lifestyle and communication India’ campaign in 2015 which aims to (Powell, 2017; Lupton, 2014). increase connectivity, participation, and improved access to public services. They have a profound impact on all spheres of human behavior and existence. It has Digital technologies provide new forms of social connectivity for constructing self- Corresponding Author : Dr. Srijeeta Mukherjee identities outside traditional institutions E Mail: [email protected] How to cite the article : Mukherjee, S. (2020). (family, work, or school), create personal Millennium women: Sexual challenges in the space with definite boundaries as well as digital era. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & develop their social and professional lives to Culture, 6(1), 47-56. gain acceptance and recognition globally DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929191

47 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

(Oksman, 2004). Technology has become social media, and online dating sites, or embedded in daily lives, permeating every through private communications via mobile nook and cranny increasingly blurring the phone or email, including verbal and/or dichotomies of online and offline written comments and requests, and/ or (Jamaludin, 2011). The rapidly developing graphic images (Sethi & Ghatak, 2018). information and communication technology Dimensions of Cyber Sexual Harassment have brought significant economic, political, (Powell, 2017) are identified as: and social changes so much so that 'Life is Digital' is not a hyperbolic claim ( Lupton, 2014). 1. Gender-based harassment: It may be verbal, visual, and textual. These are Society and technology are shaped mutually unsolicited comments or abusive by human behavior and interactions. remarks and pile on threats directed at Previously owing to the digital divide, poor victims because of their gender access, and digital illiteracy, the internet was invoking graphic imageries of rape, considered largely a masculine domain, violence, and abuse to stimulate fear developed for, and use by men (Levmore and and other negative emotions. Women, Nussbaum,2010).Due to increased mainly college-aged girls, are ridiculed awareness, affordable smart phones and online for their sexuality and objectified data-plans, women and other marginalized (Wajcman, 2000; Hardaker, 2016). Men groups (LGBTQ, people with disabilities, receive the hate for their ideas and etc) are increasingly using the ‘Net’ to share actions, the comments generally make ideas, express opinions, and create niche fun of their perceived sexuality and online presence (Green et al, 2015 ). With the diminish their manliness. Most globalization of digital communication, LGBTQ people are attacked because of abuse, and harassment too has become their sexuality doesn't conform to global (Henry and Powell, 2014; Powell, heterosexual society rules and they are 2017; Bartlett et al, 2014). Women are accused of being sex offenders and disproportionately high recipients of these sexually deviant. Sexual and Hate 'E-Bile' followed by people of alternate comments falsely accusing the victim sexuality and few men (Jane, 2014).Ninety of having STDs, mental illnesses, etc percent of the slanderous comments, real or flood the message boards and blog doctored images, and porn video content (Hardaker, 2010). showcases verbal or physical aggression against women (Mc Glynn, 2017). 2. Unwanted sexual attention and experiences: Perpetrators convey Online sexual harassment sexual messages by objectifying and Sexual harassment is a well defined and reducing victims to be their sex organs familiar term. It is a form of sex (often described as diseased) existing discrimination involving unwanted/ solely for the pleasure of others unwelcome sexual advances, requests for (Hardacker, 2010). Inappropriate sexual favor, and other conduct of verbal or comments on intimate lives and physical nature that causes another person to subjects, unsolicited images and feel offended, humiliated, fearful, or videosblatantly hinting sex-related intimidated. activities either online or offline (Baumgartner et al, 2010; Sarkeesian, It comes online when it is perpetrated with 2012).Using camera-enabled smart the aid of digital technology like on internet phones to take photographs and videos sites, such as chat rooms, public forums, of unsuspecting victims to share online. 48 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Victim's contact information, social can be retrieved online long after the victim security numbers, medical conditions, has curtailed and censored their online and their availability for sex are activities. advertised online rendering them The proliferation of cyber sexual vulnerable to violence by strangers harassment beside the perpetrators (doxxing) (Henry and Powell 2016; Eckert, 2020). India has 560 million (January 2020) active internet users and has become the leading 3. Sexual coercion and sextortion: country with 260 million people using Face Perpetrators pressurize victims to share book, 34 million users on Twitter, and video nude photographs and videos then sharing platform Tiktok was downloaded by extort money with threats of sharing them with family and public, damaging 466 million Indians by November 2019. reputation, employability, and Almost 400 million Indian smartphone users increasingly exposed to sexual assault are on Whats App or its local language by strangers. Many people (mainly counterpart (Tech Crunch, Reuters). women) are victims of revenge porn by Statistics show that the numbers are still their rejected ex-partners. Fake online increasing, with more people connecting advertisement soliciting sex and lies online. Higher educated people are using about the victim's violent and more internet. Men and womendiffer in their masochistic sexual preferences internet use (Bimber, 2000), with men populate the net created by often voraciously consuming information and known people, ex-boyfriends, ex- women gravitating towards communication. husbands, coworkers, etc. Nude photos Men are more likely to use the internet for and videos, doctored images appear on recreation and women are rapidly catching dedicated porn sites in case of non up (Statistics Research Department, 2020). cooperation (Englander, 2015; Powell 2017, 122). Several predators coerce Due to the lack of digital literacy, many are and groom children online to produce unaware of their digital rights. For them, child pornography (Beech et al, 2008). cyberspace is a disembodied and abstract 4. Cyberstalking: Malicious stalkers are virtual space that is very different from real using sophisticated technologies to lives, full of fun and games (Powell 2017; keep tabs on their victims, hacking into Benedickt 1991). personal devices, cars, homes, and While this may be true in some cases, the offices. Threatening anonymous emails internet has its own darker aspects. and messages to victims and employers Sociologists argue that rigid gender roles and full of lies, accusing victims of stereotypes experienced during face to face misdeeds and offenses (Spitzberg, communications can be changed via digital 2002; Borrajo et al, 2015; Craven et al, means ( Beck-Gernsheim, 2002; Cooper, 2006; Fraser et al, 2010). Delmonico, & Burg, 2000) but physically What is common in all is they seek to insult, existing and culturally sanctioned power humiliate, and silence victims and diminish structures, inequalities, and domination have their online participation (Powell and Henry spilled online. 2016; Brody and Vangelisti, 2017). Despite Easy accessibility, freedom, anonymity, and the victim's efforts to remove from one site, lack of accountability has led to increased these fester and return online like the head of discrimination and sexism online (Lapidot- Medusa in some other sites. The net provides Lefler and Barak, 2012). Inappropriate longevity to the hate, as comments and abuse behavior has become acceptable and 49 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) naturalized in the Wild West of the Internet 2017; Stortz 2016). Rape apologists post (Franeck 2009). Unlike contact or place- graphic rape and death threats (Young, 2005; based offenses, online abuse can be Young and Whitty, 2010). perpetrated by a person occupying a different As with rape, domestic violence, and time zone with miles of distance between them and the victims (Powell 2017). workplace sexual harassment ( Mc Donald, 2016), gendered cyber-harassment is Criminals, predators, stalkers also have frequently trivialized as not being a big deal, become ubiquitous, lurking in innocuous mocked and sheltered by stereotypes and online spaces, and targeting unsuspecting rape myths. The responsibility is shifted to audience (Borrajo et at, 2015; Ybarra and the victim, claiming that they were attention Mitchell, 2008). This means the technology- who resand asked for it, enjoyed it, and facilitated sexual harms perpetrated by them bought victimization upon herself ( Loney are undeniably substantial. The prevalence Howes, 2015). It is widely believed that of on-line hostility is on the rise, getting violence is committed only by sexually uglier and filthier with time and increasingly deviant men and women exaggerate or make gendered. Internet trash talk, graphic threats up the claims to cover their indiscretions and of rape and violence, unsolicited requisitions misdeeds (Ging and Siapera, 2018). These and pornographic images, revenge porn myths absolve perpetrators because it was videos and photographs have filled online online, and they didn't mean to do any harm platforms (Jane, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017; (Lonsway et al, 2008; Dodge, 2016). Many Barak, 2015). commentators gang up on the victim thus Online misogyny, rape culture, and escalating the abuse (Palermo et al, 2019). revenge pornography These activities are often under reported due In her series of papers, Emma A. Jane states to shame, lack of technical expertise, the 'online hyperbolic Vitriol' has become a unresponsive law enforcement causing the normalized, commonsensical way to victim to stew alone. According to Citron communicate online. It is commonly 2014, these offenses are usually legally expected by anyone who is online voluntarily intractable due to their personal and and voices opinions. Gender wars are at their idiosyncratic nature (Citron and Franks, peak. Hegemonic masculinity is threatened 2014; Citron, 2014). by the women occupying the supposedly Sexting defined as sending sexually explicit male spaces (Ballard and Welch, 2017); Fox pictures, videos, or text messages and Tang 2014). It has its roots in the age-old cultural tradition that women are inferior to electronically has become normative men. Their ideas, needs, wishes are subject to behavior as for future sexual the whims of men and their existence is activities (Dir et al, 2013; Drouin et al,2013; limited to domestic spheres, and those who 2017; Mc Daniel, 2015; Klettke et al, 2014). overstep need to be put back into appropriate While it's enjoyable consensually, it can places. Men have actively created several quickly become ugly for people who assume toxic online spaces where they ridicule, or misperceive consent or interest in future abuse, and humiliate women for participating face to face sexual interaction and can in online activities and discussions (Banet potentially lead to unwanted sexual Wieser and Miltner, 2016). Men infiltrate into experiences (Choi et al, 2016; Reyns et al, online forums for only women or any neutral 2013). Sexting and sexual violence are closely online forums and start posting immature related. Many women feel coerced to sext by and inappropriate comments which are partners who resort to manipulation and described as ‘Virtual Manspreading’ (Jane, blackmail (revenge pornography) to exact 50 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) cooperation (Walker and Sleath 2017; profession. This has been termed ‘Economic Bartow, 2009 ). One study by Brodie found Vandalism’ by E. A. Jane (Jane 2018). Many that participants of sexting (especially men) women report restricting online post are more impulsive and more likely to expressing opinions, using male endorse sexual violence (Brodie et al, 2019; pseudonyms, playing male characters in Florimbio et al, 2019). games, avoiding controversial forums, and engaging the trollers to diminish the hate Psychological impacts of online hate speech. To decrease the digital gender divide, Human beings are vicariously used to enjoy many schools and organizations now provide violence and conflict in movies, television sexual harassment awareness training to their and simulated computer games, the net with members. Research indicates that such training their relative anonymity and impunity help decreases the acceptance of rape myths. users to exercise aggression online against Fighting ‘Fire with Fire’ real human beings. Vitriolic words and graphic threats have become a form of Digital technologies paradoxically also digital sadism (Sest and March, 2017) where provide ways to combat abuse and hate by incivility and crude remarks are a competitive enabling vigilantism, activism, and justice game among perpetrators. They derive (Trottier, 2019; Fileborn, 2014). Confidential pleasure and gratification from the and anonymous reporting of sexual assault discomfort and distress of the victims has empowered victims to alert authorities (Megarry, 2014). Trollers relish the back-and- and take action against their assaulters. forth mockery and boast about their ability to Several victims of online sexual harassment create the most evocative venom, break are using the technology to publicly call out taboos and elicit emotional responses from the perpetrators (DIY Justice Onlineor targets. This hate aims to exclude women Digilantism), documenting evidence from the production and consumption of captured in their smart phones and sharing tools, platforms, and services of digital their experiences as searchable # infrastructure. testimonials with supportive online peer community, some are resorting to making Constant remarks and threats cause the public art, blogs and websites filled with victims to experience long term emotional/ images received by them over the years (Vitis psychological trauma, symptoms of panic, and Gilmour, 2017). Social media sites have anxiety, and depression, sexual problems, become a forum for hashtags activism where and attachment dysfunction primarily victims- survivors, activists, advocates, etc relationship anxiety and avoidance (Ross et can discuss their experiences, challenge the al, 2019). Women report significantly low prevalent mindset, debate, and reframe self-esteem and loss of self-confidence. For policies. With this # going viral with multiple some the reactions from families and sharing and likes, these are also a bridge to support groups based on the existing cultural gain the attention of the mainstream media myths, make it difficult to cope with the and political groups and pressurize necessary experience. There is also a constant fear of changes in policies and laws (Henry and the safety of self and family (Lindsey et al, Powell, 2016) for faster justice (Jane Dobson, 2016). 2016 ). Females facing subordination and exclusion Cyber laws in India online, tend to withdraw from online platforms or change the ways of online It has become imperative to teach women interaction often at the cost of their especially young girls to identify acts of

51 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) sexual harry in their nascent stage and keep 2. Section 354C of the IPC: Punishment evidence via screen shots and printouts that for is described in this act can help investigators to trace perpetrators. with up to 3 years of imprisonment in It's the first instinct to ignore and delete the case of the first offense and up to 7 materials but these only encourage abusers years play in second offense. It (Sethi and Ghatak, 2018). Not reacting or especially describes private acts when responding to these seems to be the first unsuspecting women are watched, or response of the victims followed by blocking their images/videos captured. It also and reporting abuse in the sites that are includes the dissemination of obliged to disable them within 36hours consensual image to 3rd party (revenge under IT rules 2011. Cybercrimes have no porn). It is a criminal offense under jurisdiction as these crimes are committed both the IT act and IPC without any barriers of boundaries. So, this can be reported in any city irrespective of 3. Section 354D of the IPC: This section where the crime was committed. Police cyber describes Stalking. Any man who cells have been established especially for follows a woman attempts interaction Internet-related criminal activities. For those despite clear disinterest by a woman who don't wish to approach police can lodge and monitors her activities via complaints at National Commission for digital/electronic communications Women, who take it up with the police and in (except for detection /prevention of case of serious offenses can set up and suspected criminal activities, inquiry to probe the issues. The IT reasonable under circumstances) is Amendment Act, 2008 has established a punishable up to three years and up to National nodal agency called Indian five years in subsequent offenses along Computer Emergency Response Team with monetary fine. (CERT-IN) responsible for computer security threats that have issued guidelines on 4. Section 499 of the IPC: This section has procedures, prevention, reporting, and provisions for Defamation. Any spoken response to cyber sexual harassment and or written word, signs, visual abuse incidents. Online grievance redressal representation, the publication (obscene can be done using emails, filling up incident remarks, photos, or videos on social reporting forms, telephones, fax, and letters media) concerning any person that addressed to the Ministry of Electronics and intends harm the public reputation of Information Technology. such person may be imprisoned for up to 2 years with or without fine or both. Some of the cyber laws about sexual 5. Section 503 of the IPC: This section harassment under Indian Judiciary are: deals with criminal intimidation. Threats 1. Section 354A of the IPC: Under this of injury to person, reputation, or law, people posting obscene comments property with the intent to cause alarm is on SNS are liable for punishment up to punishable with a jail term of up to 2 one-year imprisonment with/without years. Threats of grievous hurt are fine. Unwelcome physical contact, punishable for up to seven years. explicit sexual overtures, showing 6. Section 507 of the IPC: Any person pornography against the will and committing the offense of criminal demanding sexual favors are intimidation using anonymous punishable with imprisonment up to 3 communications is liable for punishment years with or without fine. for upto two years. 52 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

7. Section 509 of the IPC: Any sexual this widespread uproar is mot merely words, sounds, gestures, exhibits (photos Slacktivism (Rotman, 2011)but an all- or videos) posted on SNS intruding upon powerful tool for activism and seeking both privacy and modesty is punishable for up informal and formal justice (Powell and to 3 years with fine. Henry, 2015)against the age-old gender wars, to bring forth significant sociocultural and 8. Section 66E and 67A of the IT Act: sociopolitical changes in the modern times. Publishing sexual images in print or digitally that violates the privacy of an References individual is penalized with imprisonment Ballard, M.E., and Welch, K.M., 2017. Virtual up to 3 years and fine up to 2 lakhs under warfare: Cyberbullying and cyber-victimization 66 E and seven years imprisonment and in MMOG play. Games and Culture, 12(5), 466-491. fines up to 10 lakhs in 67A Banet-Weiser, S. and Miltner, K.M., 2016. # 9. Section 67 of the IT Act: Publishing MasculinitySoFragile: culture, structure, and networked misogyny. Feminist Media Studies, obscene material online. 16(1), 171-174. 10. Section 67B: Publishing Child Barak, A., 2005. Sexual harassment on the pornography, Online Sexual Grooming Internet. Social Science Computer Review, 23(1), of children is penalized with 77-92. imprisonment from 5 to 7 years and fine Bartlett, J., Norrie, R., Patel, S., Rumpel, R. and up to 10 lakhs. Wibberley, S., 2014. Misogyny on twitter. 11. Section 292 of the IPC: Any book, Bartow, A., 2009. Internet defamation as profit paper, pamphlet, drawing, painting, or center: The monetization of online harassment. representation deemed lascivious and Harv. JL & Gender, 32, 383. obscene digitallyfalls under this Baumgartner, S.E., Valkenburg, P.M. and Peter, J., provision. 2010. Unwanted online sexual solicitation and risky sexual online behavior across the lifespan. Conclusion Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, Online communities and social media have 31(6), 439-447. empowered victim-survivors, advocates, Beck, U. and Beck-Gernsheim, E., 2002. activists, etc, and enabled widespread Institutionalized individualism and its social and support for feminist activism. Woman's political consequences. Ann Arbor: University of testimonials have long served as a form of Michigan Press. activism and justice-seeking but the online Beech, A.R., Elliott, I.A., Birgden, A. and formats have enabled reclaiming several Findlater, D., 2008. The Internet and child sexual previously silent voices, increased offending: A criminological review. Aggression participation, generate awareness about and violent behavior, 13(3), 216-228. gender mis recognition, validation of their Benedickt, M., 1991. Cyberspace: first steps. experiences from global network and Bimber, B., 2000. Measuring the gender gap on vindication for their sufferings. These have the Internet. Social science quarterly, 868-876 been recognized socially and politically, Borrajo, E., Gámez-Guadix, M. and Calvete, E., necessitating measures for reporting and 2015. Cyber dating abuse: Prevalence, context, action against perpetrators (Powell and and relationship with offline dating aggression. Henry, 2018). Laws have been modified to Psychological reports, 116(2), 565-585. encompass the changing scenarios and Brodie, Z.P., Wilson, C. and Scott, G.G., 2019. people have been sensitized to this Sextual Intercourse: Considering Social– fundamental yet ‘new’ discrimination. Thus, 53 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

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56 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Review Article Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) online dating experience Jamie L. Gordon1, Marty A. Cooper2 1,2 Department of Psychology, Mental Health Counseling Program, State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury

Date of Submission : Abstract 1 April 2020 This paper reviews current literature regarding the online- Date of Acceptance : experience of transgender and non-conforming (TGNC) 2 May 2020 individuals, focusing on the online dating experience. The paper will identify key themes that were developed by reviewing nine peer-reviewed articles. The themes that were identified and outlined in detail in this paper include self-presentation, cultural impacts, the presence of dominating masculinity, sexual health and risky sexual behaviors, trans-misrepresentation and sexualization, and online-based interventions. The paper then utilizes these themes and provides clinical recommendations for clinicians to refer to when working with the TGNC Keywords: Transgender, Gender non-conforming, population. Lastly, this paper will identify the limitations of Online-dating, Dating apps. the current paper and address areas of future research.

Introduction transition and/or medically transition to be congruent with their gender identity According to recent studies, there are (Hughto et al., 2015). However, other approximately 1.4 million adults in the individuals may choose to have their gender United States who identify as transgender identity “outside of the traditional gender (Scheuerman et al., 2018). Scheuerman et al. binary”, and consider themselves gender (2018) define the term transgender as "a non-conforming [GNC] (Hughto et al., person whose gender identity is different from the one 2015). Therefore, the authors will utilize the they were assigned at birth" (p. 1). Some term transgender and gender non- transgender individuals choose to socially conforming (TGNC) throughout the article. Corresponding Author : Dr. Marty A. Cooper E Mail: [email protected] Research has stated that individuals How to cite the article : Gordon, J.L., Cooper, M.A. belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, (2020).Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) transgender, queer/questioning, and more online dating experience. Indian Journal of Health, (LGBTQ+) community have lower odds of Sexuality & Culture, 6(1), 57-64. daily activities resulting in social encounters, DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929195 which raise the importance for the usage of 57 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) online dating applications (Choi et al., 2017; articles that were relevant to this topic, while Chan, 2016). With the increase in smart utilizing keywords of transgender, gender phones and technological availability, these non-binary, gender non-conforming, dating dating apps have become a convenient apps, LGBTQ+ online experience during the method for sexual and gender minorities to search. After reviewing nine articles, the meet and connect (Chan, 2016; Choi et., authors reviewed specific themes, which they 2016; Duguay, 2017). felt were important in discussing the current topic. These themes included self- Several gay dating apps were referenced throughout the literature search; however, presentation, cultural impacts, the presence Grindr was the most mentioned. In 2009, of dominating masculinity, sexual health and Grindr launched intending to aim their app risky sexual behaviors, trans-mis representation towards men-who-have-sex-with-men and sexualization, and online-based (MSM) by allowing users to access a location- interventions. based dating app (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). Self-presentation Duguay (2017) highlighted the success of Grindr, stating that approximately 1.5 million TGNC individuals have to negotiate ways in individuals utilize the application daily. Apps, which they present themselves daily, which such as Grindr, allow users to view profiles furthers the importance of understanding that are made up of chosen photographs, how this plays out technologically along with other personal information the (Rodriguez et al., 2016). Recent studies have user chooses to disclose (Chan, 2016). Users begun to consider profiles on dating apps as a are then allowed to exchange messages, form of self-presentation (Chan, 2016). photos, and location information through Additionally, research has evaluated the level the app (Chan, 2016). of self-presentation and the hesitation towards self-presentation of transgender Despite the overwhelming success of individuals who use dating apps (Chan, 2016; Grindr, the app recently underwent Duguay, 2017; Lloyd & Finn, 2017; controversy due to “alleged banning, deletion and Rodriguez et al., 2016). Self-presentation is censoring of trans users' profiles” (Lloyd & Finn, utilized by app users as a means to create 2017, p. 160). Due to the backlash, the app impressions (Chan, 2016). then responded by creating the option of ’Trans’ that users can select as their self- Several factors have been correlated to levels identity, which has allegedly led to a higher of self-presentation by app users. For increase of app usage by TGNC individuals instance, research has found that individuals (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). from large cities are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ community member or post Methods pictures of their faces than those of smaller This article reviewed current research cities due to negative consequences that may regarding the online experience of TGNC be faced in small communities (Chan, 2016). individuals, specifically the online-dating Additionally, research has found that experience, and provide recommendations younger individuals, individuals with a higher to guide clinical work. body mass index, or individuals who did not formally state their race were more likely to Authors utilized Google Scholar, APA include pictures that showed their faces on PsychNet and Pub Medto locate recent their profiles (Chan, 2016). Reportedly these 58 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) factors are all correlated with the level of Sexual health and risky sexual behaviors ‘attractiveness’ throughout dating platforms (Chan, 2016). Several research studies have focused on the relationship between dating apps and sexual Cultural impacts health and risky sexual behaviors (Choi et al., 2017; Kesten et al., 2019; Patel et al., 2016; In evaluating cultural impacts, Chan (2016) Sun et al., 2018). Studies have implied that an found that cultures play a role in TGNC user increase in unprotected sex, a higher number experience of dating apps. In comparing of sexual partners, substance use before or Chinese MSM to American MSM, Chan during sexual intercourse, and both the (2016) found that Chinese MSM was less testing and higher prevalence of sexually likely to display their faces on dating apps as a transmitted infections (STIs) are all means of protection due to the severity of associated with seeking sexual relationships stigma and in some cases illegality. On the online (Choi et al. 2017; Kesten et al., 2019). other hand, Western culture considers Kesten et al. (2019) reported that this displaying one's face on dating apps as correlation may be associated with the fact essential as a form of self-identification, self- that the increase in social networks creates representation, and a display of honesty and for changing partners more quickly and a authenticity (Chan, 2016). greater mixing of partners. Additional risky sexual behaviors that have been noted In addition to showing their faces on the included utilizing social media sites to seek profiles, research has shown that cultural sexual partners in exchange for drugs and differences impact communication styles of clothing (Patel et al., 2016). users (Chan, 2016). With less social norms on individuals in Western culture, American Trans-misrepresentation and MSM is more likely to be direct and verbalize sexualization romantic feelings on dating apps than those TGNC individuals face misrepresentation, of Chinese MSM (Chan, 2016). stigma, and violence (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). Presence of dominating masculinity Additionally, they are subjected to sexualization, which furthers the senses of Dominating masculinity has appeared to be misrepresentation and discrimination (Lloyd present in gay dating apps (Rodriguez et al., & Finn, 2017). TGNC women experience 2016), which may negatively impact the sexualization through the inaccurate idea of experience of TGNC users who may or may seduction, , and fetishism not present and/or identify with masculinity. (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). Trans-misrepresentation Masculinity was displayed by presenting can also be demonstrated through the oneself as physically fit through topless association of trans women with cross- photos (Chan, 2016). Rodriguez et al. (2016) dressers and being displayed as sexually inferred that inaccurate media representation suggestive (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). of masculinity in the LGBTQ+ community Participants in a study conducted by Lloyd & impacts expectations of gender identity, Finn (2017) expressed experiencing which "creates a society of over-sharing, misrepresentation through Grindr as Grindr superficiality, and instant gratification," with the users assume that the app is exclusively for need to constantly ‘advertise yourself ’ MSM. The false idea of app users adds to the (Rodriguez et al., 2016) misrepresentation that trans users are gay 59 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) men, drag queens, cross-dressers, and/or emotional support, create a sense of feminine men (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). Trans universality, and provide the availability to women thus felt it essential to display their activism (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). gender transitions and feminine qualities to be viewed as authentic as a means of Clinical usage acceptance (Lloyd & Finn, 2017). The following paragraphs will provide basic Participants in Llyod and Finn's (2017) study clinical guidance for therapists to address the also verbalized experiencing sexualization domains identified in the existing literature. during their use of Grindr. Sexualization was All clinical work with TGNC individuals can experienced through the assumption that consider the tenets of affirmative therapy. A trans women on the app were “kinky, perverted comprehensive review of TGNC affirmative and immoral subjects” known for bringing therapy exceeds the scope of this article. ‘shame’ upon others unless kept secret, However, there are resources available to which reinforces that idea that their sexuality clinicians that would like to review the as a whole must be kept a secret (Lloyd & practice of TGNC affirmative therapy. Finn, 2017). American Psychological Association (2013) provides a number of resources including Online-based interventions fact sheets, a trans resource guide, policies and practices for working with trans As previously mentioned, studies have individuals, 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey implied that there is a higher risk of Report, and many other useful resources. developing STIs as a result of using online dating apps to seek relationships (Choi et al., A comprehensive review of TGNC 2017; Kesten et al., 2019; Patel et al., 2016; affirmative therapy can be found in a chapter Sun et al., 2018). Yet notably, this population by Singh & Dickey (2017). This chapter is is also less likely to be reached by recent part of a comprehensive text on working interventions aimed toward prevention with and gender diversity. (Patel et al., 2016). Online interventions have The authors of this chapter discuss language, been considered inexpensive, effective, and theoretical frameworks and competencies, easily accessible (Choi et al., 2016; Kesten et the history of working with TGNC al., 2019). While inquiring about the usage of individuals, individual and group counseling, social media and dating apps for providing working across the life span, and ethnical and sexual health information, Kestenet al., advocacy issues. This text may serve as an (2019) found that using this platform was introduction to the general counseling skill acceptable and viewed as positive. and information necessary to provide an affirmative practice. In addition to utilizing online-based interventions with sexual health, Lloyd and Self-presentation Finn (2017) have also found benefits in online-interventions that provide a safe As previously mentioned, TGNC individuals space and the ability for the TGNC are negotiating their self-presentation daily, individuals to have a voice and experience both in real-time and through dating apps social liberation. According to research, (Rodriguez et al., 2016). Clinicians should technology has provided the opportunity for utilize this idea of self-presentation to trans users to comprehend their identities, engage the client in conversations regarding create interpersonal relationships, having how they present themselves, along with how 60 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) they want to be presented in the world. make efforts in increasing their knowledge Further, clinicians can provide psycho- of TGNC culture proficiency by attending education on authenticity and encourage the lectures and trainings to further increase the individual to reflect on how they are being clinician's level of awareness and authentic, both in the world and to understanding (Hughto et al., 2015). In doing themselves. In doing so, clinicians may be so, clinicians will lessen the likelihood of able to assist the individual in understanding TGNC individuals experiencing additional how the client is managing themselves and barriers and expand the level of care that is coping with this idea of self-presentation. provided to the individual (Hughto et al., Though these conversations may require 2015). confrontation which may be difficult for the individual, they may also assist the client in In discussing the comparison of likelihood understanding who they want to be and to display their faces, Chan (2016) reaching that level of peace within oneself. highlighted the significance of safety. TGNC Clinicians may want to assess any risks individuals need to feel safe in their homes associated with an authentic presentation. and communities before properly managing This will allow for an informed decision to be their overall health (Torres et al., 2015). Due made by the client that considers both to this, clinicians cannot work through the authenticity and safety. process of gender identification without first recognizing the potential safety barriers Cultural impacts (Torres et al., 2015). In discussing cultural impacts, there are Presence of dominating masculinity several considerations that clinicians should have. Clinicians should alter their treatment Rodriguez et al. (2016) discuss the negative to meet the client's needs through a culturally impacts of the presence of masculinity on relevant approach (Asnaani & Hofmann, dating apps. Though this may be the case for 2012). If there is unfamiliarity with the some TGNC users, clinicians need to culture, it is the clinician's responsibility to understand that not all TGNC individuals familiarize oneself with that culture both will present or identify with concerns on currently and historically to properly assess masculinity. For instance, there are many how this can impact the client (Asnaani & female-to-male (FTM) individuals who Hofmann, 2012). By having an awareness of identify as masculine and are comfortable the systematic history of the client, the with their masculinity without genital surgery clinician can have a deeper understanding of (Mayer et al., 2019). On the other hand, there may be TGNC individuals who identify as the events of the client's life (Asnaani & neither male nor female and prefer to remain Hofmann, 2012). Clinicians, even those who gender fluid (Motmans et al., 2019). In feel as though they have a deep working with TGNC individuals, clinicians understanding of multicultural awareness, should discuss with the individual if they must treat each client uniquely (Asnaani & have an identified gender or if they are H o f m a n n , 2 0 1 2 ) , t h u s avo i d i n g gender fluid. Through this discussion, generalizations. In treating clients uniquely, clinicians can further assess the potential and by inquiring about their culture the impact of the presence of masculinity, and clinician may be able to form a stronger what the presence of masculinity on dating therapeutic relationship (Asnaani & apps means to the individual. Hofmann, 2012). Further, clinicians should

61 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Sexual health and risky sexual behaviors 2018). Therefore, along with stigma interventions, clinicians should center In discussing sexual health and risky sexual counseling for transgender individuals in behaviors, clinicians should not focus their minimizing any shame that they may have attention solely on prevention and health regarding their transgender identities concerns due to the possibility of the (Hughto et al., 2015). Clinicians can utilize individual feeling shame for experiencing tools such as psycho-education on self- pleasure through these behaviors (Naisteter esteem and coping tools to assist the client & Sitron, 2010). Thus, clinicians may find it throughout these interventions. beneficial to utilize a harm-reduction approach within psychoeducation. Harm Online based interventions reduction was implemented in the 1980s in response to the spread of HIV and is Kesten et al. (2019) stressed that online- intended to "meet people where they are" (Bayles, based interventions should be engaging, in a 2014). Naisteter and Sitron (2010) contend sex-positive tone, and delivered by trusted that by utilizing harm reduction to provide organizations. Online interventions may not education on sexual health, individuals will mirror what an in-person clinical be provided the opportunity to mediate intervention would look like, however, it is between pleasure and safety; which will result essential to carry similar qualities of in- in individuals being more likely to make person interventions into practice. harm-aware decisions. According to Sadaat (2014), therapeutic relationships and treatment process can be Trans-misrepresentation and negatively impacted if the clinician is not sexualization empathetic, understanding, or have effective communication styles. Clinicians working with a TGNC individual who is experiencing misrepresentation and Limitations sexualization should recall that this level of stigma has the potential to cause both A major limitation within the existing psychological and physical harm (Hughto et literature is the fact that much of the research al., 2015; Lloyd & Finn, 2017). Research has referenced by authors focus on MSM. In directed clinicians toward alleviating stress doing so, themes of cultural impacts fail to response that is associated with experiencing take into account women who have sex with trans stigma (Hughto et al., 2015). Stigma men, and women who have sex with women. interventions have been created to assist Additionally, this limitation may restrict the individuals in changing attitudes, increasing understanding of the experiences of females coping mechanisms, and diminish the effects transitioning to males (FTM), or individuals of stigma on an interpersonal-level (Hughto who are biologically female but are GNC. et al., 2015). Clinicians can further familiarize Future research themselves with stigma interventions by referring to Hughto et al.'s (2015) article and In addition to the themes noted above, the Gronholm et al.'s (2017) article. authors suggest that future research look at the possibility of positive and/or negative Previous literature and records of personal effects on psychological well being for dating accounts have suggested that many TGNC app users. With the limited amount of experiences, or have experienced, shame research that is available regarding TGNC concerning gender identity (Giordano, individuals and dating apps, by assessing 62 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) these psychological effects clinicians can Gronholm, P., Henderson, C., Deb, T., & further determine what clinical work needs Thornicroft, G. (2017). Interventions to reduce to be done within this population. discrimination and stigma: The state of the art. Additionally, future research may identify Social Psychology and Psychiatric Epidemiology, further themes that are present in TGNC use 52(3), 249-258. of dating apps and technology that were not Hughto, J., Reisner, S., &Pachankis, J. (2015). noted by the authors of this paper. Transgender stigma and health: Acritical References review of stigma determinants, mechanisms and interventions. Social Science and Medicine (147), American Psychological Association (2013). 222-231. Transgender Identity Issues in Psychology. https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/programs/transg Kesten, J., Dias, K., Burns, F., Crook, P., ender/. [Last Accessed on 03/31/2020] Howarth, A., Mercer, C., Rodger, A.,Simms,I., Asnaani, A., & Hofmann, S. (2012). Oliver, Hickman, M., Hughes, G., & Collaboration in culturally responsive therapy: Weatherburn, P. (2019). Acceptability and Establishinga strong therapeutic alliance across potential impact of delivering sexual health cultural lines. Journal of Clinical Psychology, promotion information through social media 68(2),187-197. and dating apps to MSM in England: A qualitative study. BMC Public Health, 19(1236), 1-9. Bayles, C. (2014). Using mindfulness in a harm reduction approach to substance abuse Lloyd, C., & Finn, M. (2017). Authenticity, treatment:Aliterature review. International validation and sexualisation on grindr: An Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, analysis of trans women's accounts. Psychology 9(2), 225. & Sexuality, 8(1-2), 158-169.

Chan, L.S. (2016). How sociocultural context Mayer, T., Koehler, A., Eyssel, J., &Nieder, T. matters in self-presentation: A comparison of (2019). How gender identity and treatment U.S.and Chinese profiles on jack'd, a mobile process impact decision-making, psychotherapy dating app for men who have sex with men. and aftercare desires of trans persons. Journal of International Journal of Communication, 10, Clinical Medicine, 8(5), 749. 6040-6059. Motmans, J., Nieder, T., Bouman, W. (2019). Choi, E.P.H., Wong, J.Y.H., & Fong, D.Y.T (2017). The use of social networkingapplications Transforming the paradigm of non-binary of smartphone and associated sexual risks in transgender health: A field in transition. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender International Journal of Transgenderism, 20(2- populations: A systematic review. AIDS Care, 3) 119-125. 29(2), 145-155. Naisteter, M., & Sitron, J. (2010). Minimizing Duguay, S. (2017). Dressing up tinderella: harm and maximizing pleasure: Considering the Interrogating authenticity claims on the harm reduction paradigm for sexuality mobiledating app tinder. Information, education. American Journal of Sexuality Communication and Society, 20(3), 351-367. Education, 5(2), 101-115.

Giordano, S. (2018). Understanding the emotion Patel, V., Masyukova, M., Sutton, D., & Horvath, of shame in transgender individuals- some K. (2016). Social media use and HIV- related risk insight from Kafka. Life Sciences, Society and behaviors in young black and latino gay and bio Policy, 14(23), 1-22.

63 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) men and transgender individuals in New York nonconforming clients. In K.A. DeBord, A.R. City: Implications for online interventions. Fisher, K.J. Bieschke, & R.M. Perez (Eds.) Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New Handbook of sexual orientation and gender York Academy of Medicine, 93(2), 388-399. diversity in counseling and psychotherapy (pp. 157-182). American Psychological Association. Rodriguez, N., Huemmer, J., &Blummell, L. (2016). Mobile masculinities: An investigation of Sun, C., Sutfin, E. Bachmann, L., Stowers, J., & networked masculinities in gay dating apps. MCS- Rhodes, S. (2018). Comparing men who have sex Masculinities and Social Change, 5(3),241-267. with men and transgender women who use grindr, other similar social and sexual Sadaat, SH. (2014). A review on . networking apps, or no social and sexual International Journal of Medical Reviews, 1(4), networking apps: Implications for recruitment 157-161. and health promotion. Journal of AIDS and Scheuerman, M., Branham, S., & Hamidi, F. Clinical Research, 9(2), 1-13. (2018). Safe spaces and safe places: Unpacking Torres, C., Renfrew, M., Kenst, K., Tan- technology-mediated experiences of safety and McGrory, A., Bentacourt, J., & Lopez, L. (2015). harm with transgender people. Applied Improving transgender health by building safe Mathematics and Computation,2 (CSCW), 1-28. clinical environments that promote existing Singh, A. A., & Dickey, L. M. (2017). Affirmative resilience: Results from a qualitative analysis of counseling with transgender and gender providers. BMC Pediatrics,1 5(187).

64 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Original Article Self-presentation of males and females in an online dating application: A profile analysis from north India Dr. Ankit Chandra1, Dr. Monisha Priya2 1,2 Independent Researcher

Date of Submission : Abstract 1 April 2020 Date of Acceptance : This study was aimed to explore how males and females 7 June 2020 self-present themselves in an online dating mobile application. We selected consecutive 50 males and 50 female heterosexual profiles from an online dating application in west Delhi (India). A descriptive data analysis was done for socio-demographic details, profile picture and self- description. Males present themselves with details about their work, and they tend to show costly items/body muscles/outing/sports pictures in their profile. Notably taller males mentioned about their height. Males also mentioned about the alcohol/smoking status and favourite music. Females usually kept a selfie in a western outfit with fewer details in self-description. Both the sexes were equally descriptive and used similar words in their self-description. The purpose mentioned by both the sexes was to look for a lover in the dating application. These findings of this study Keywords: Males, Females, can help in understanding the differences between males Self-presentation, Dating and females in their self-presentation on an online dating application, India. platform.

Introduction the advent of the internet and mobile, searching for a partner through online dating Love is one of the needs of a human, as often or matrimony websites/applications has said that human is a social animal (Maslow, become prevalent (Finkel et al., 2012). 1943). Finding a potential life partner is a big Websites are the web pages accessed through task, which completes the circle of life. With a web browser in laptop/mobile. An Corresponding Author : Dr. Monisha Priya application is a software or program accessed E Mail: [email protected] by installation in the mobiles/tablets for How to cite the article : Chandra, A., Priya, M regular use. Matrimony applications/sites are (2020). Self-presentation of males and females in an for people to search for a life partner for online dating application: A profile analysis from north India. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & marriage. While dating applications/sites are Culture, 6(1), 65-72. for people to date each other for a romantic DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929230 65 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) or sexual relationship, which may or may not Methodology lead to an off-line relationship (either romantic or non-romantic). Some ties may This was a descriptive study done in West lead to long term relationship or friendship Delhi (North India). In this study, we and may or may not result in marriage. analysed the dating profiles from a dating application. We chose an application based The use of dating applications among young on popularity. We included consecutive 50 adults is wide spread mainly in western males and 50 female heterosexual profiles. countries and now becoming more popular We did not exclude any profile. In the search in countries like India. The widespread setting; the age range was 18 to 55+ years, information, communication technology and the maximum distance was 20 km coupled with the emergence of business nearby. The data were extracted on 15th websites for computer dating, paved the way September 2019 under the following and offered a new avenue for exploring and variables - age, job, description, number of establishing new romantic relationships. The pictures, details of the photograph, self- purpose of dating application may range description. Each profile was de-identified from both casual and serious romantic by giving a code to it, and the confidentiality relationships (Lykens et al., 2019) or for of the data was maintained. No picture was lonely adults to use it for meeting new people saved or captured. Data were directly entered (Berk & Myers, 2016). In today's busy life, in a data extraction sheet (in MS Excel) from online dating has become convenient, and it offers an expanded pool of partners to the profile, and data analysis was done using choose from. The dating application allows a STATA 13. Descriptive analysis was done for user to create his/her profile with pictures male and female profiles under the headings and self-description. These applications use of socio-demographic details, profile artificial intelligence/algorithm to display the pictureand self-description of profile. Chi- user with their potential mates. The user square test was used for the test of decides to show his/her interest based on the significance. Differences with a p-value profile picture and the self-description of the <0.05 were considered statistically individual. When both the users show significant. For word counting and word interest in each other, then only interaction cloud formation, we used the 'word counter' can take place among them(Levy et al., 2019). for the analysis (Data Basic, n.d.). As said 'the first impression is the last Results impression', a user has to create a socially desirable profile in which a large number of Socio-demographic details potential partners shows interest. Males and We analysed fifty male and fifty female females have certain biological and social profiles. Age was mentioned by 88% of differences, which are reflected in their males and 100% of females. The median age behaviour and preferences (Halpern et al., (IQR) for males and females was 25.5yrs 2007). While choosing a mate, personal (IQR 24 - 27.5) and 24.5yrs (IQR 19 - 26), preferences and numerous factors play a vital respectively. Compared to females, a higher role (Buss, 1989). Males and females have a number of males provided the link/ ID of distinct way to charm the opposite sex. their social media accounts (40%) like Limited studies have captured the Instagram ID or Snapchat ID, mentioned differences among sexes in an online dating their affiliated college/company (60%) and application. This study was aimed to explore mentioned their occupation(66%) (Table1). how males and females self-present Most of the dating profiles were of students themselves in a dating application in northern India. (61.7%). 66 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Table 1- Socio-demographic details of the dating profiles

Male (n=50) Female(n=50) Socio-demo graphic Profile Mentioned age 44 (88%) 50 (100%)

Median age (IQR) 24.5yrs (IQR 19 – 26) 25.5yrs (IQR 24 – 27.5) Provided link/ID of another social account 20 (40%) 15 (30%) Mentioned the name of their affiliated college 30 (60%) 21 (42%) or company Mentioned occupation 33 (66%) 27 (54%)

Student 14 (42.4%) 23 (85.1%) Doctor 1 0 Lawyer 2 0 Charted accounted 1 0 Analyst 5 0 Manager 5 2

Engineer 1 1 Teac her 0 1 Pilot 1 0 Actor/ Model 1 0 Builder 1 0

Interior designer 1 0

Table 2- Details of display pictures of profiles

Display Pictures of Profiles Male (n=50) Female (n=50) Display profile was available 50 (100%) 49 (98%) Number of photos posted/displayed [Median (IQR)] 6 (IQR 4 – 7) 4 (IQR 2 – 5) Used someone else’s picture or displayed a quote 1 1 (misrepresentation ) Selfie* 9 (18%) 23 (46.9%) Showing iPhone in pictures* 8 (16%) 0 (0%) Showing car/bike in pictures* 10 (20%) 0 (0%)

Flaunting biceps or abdomen muscles/bare chest* 11 (22%) 0 (0%) Picture clicked inside the gym* 4 (8%) 0 (0%) Picture with a dog 1 (2%) 3 (6.1%) Picture from a trip or outing or travel* 23 (46%) 8 (16.3%) Picture of playing sports* 6 (12%) 0 (0%) (swimming, water spor ts, tennis, quad biking) Picture with food or drink 3 (6%) 4 (8.2%) Picture while shopping 0 (0%) 2 (4.1%) * P-value<0.05 67 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Profile picture analysis descriptionswere very short and crisp like The display pictures were available for all the "leveled up lawyer, anime lover, TV tellytubby, drive males and 49 females(Table 2). The median demon, meme master, gridlock gamer, badminton (IQR) number of display pictures available baddie, crème brulee is my true weakness". The for males and females was 6 (IQR 4 - 7) and 4 total word count for male and female self- (IQR 2 - 5), respectively. Five male and four description was 348 (average-11.6) and 233 female profiles uploaded a group picture. A (average-11.6), respectively. The most significantly higher number of females common five words (number of times)used (46.9%) uploaded picture in the form of a by male profiles were - looking (n=5), lover selfie. Males showed valuable items in the (n=3), fun (n=3), love (n=3), true (n=3). The pictures like the iPhone (16%), car/bike most common five words used by female (20%). Males displayed the pictures clicked profiles were - lover (n=4), looking (n=4), inside the gym (8%), flaunting their biceps or smart (n=3), friendship (n=2), new (n=2). abdomen muscles (abs)/bare chest (22%) or The word cloud showed the use of similar playing sports (12%). Also, a significantly and most common words(the predominant higher number of males uploaded their word is more prominent in size) by both the picture from a trip/outing/travel. Most of sex (Figure 1). the male profiles had formal dress (like coat/blazers, shirt, pant) in their profile Eleven male profiles (36.7%) mentioned that pictures. Western outfit (jeans, miniskirt, they were looking for a relationship or love, shorts, t-shirt) was ubiquitous among female meaningful/good conversation, friend, fun profiles (Table 3). The dress was not visible in in their description. Nine female profiles 18 male profiles, and 11 female profiles as (42.9%) mentioned they were looking for a most of the pictures were limited to face and relationship, friend. Seven of the male few pictures of males were shirtless. profiles mentioned their height, which ranged from 5'10" to 6'3". Two male profiles Self-description analysis asked for a coffee date in their description Self-description was available for only 60% (Table 4). Only one profile (female) (n=30) of male profiles and 42% (n=21) of mentioned personal dislike, i.e. fake person. female profiles. Most of the self- Both the sex (male and female) presented themselves as foodie, music lover and party Table 3 – Type of dress in the profile picture Sex Type of dress in the pictur e Number of profiles Male (n=50) Formals predominant 15 (30%) Causals predominant 14 (28%) Both 3 (6%) Dress not visible 18 (36%) Female (n=50) Ethnic 5 (10%) Partywear 3 (6%) Wester n outfit 19 (38%) Mixed 5 (10%) Not able to classify 7 (14%) Dress not visible 11 (22%)

68 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Figure 1- Word cloud showing twenty most common content words used I lover. A higher number of males mentioned the women. Our results are in line with about their favourite music (26.7%) and evolutionary theory (Buss, 1988), which was alcohol/smoking status (16.7%). also tested among 37 cultures and showed that females value financial capacity/ Discussion resource acquisition, ambition-industriousness We found that a higher number of males of potential mates compared to males (Buss, mentioned more about their occupation and 1989). Our finding of males focusing on affiliation (work), which was similar to the their financial and occupational success was findings of Davis et al. (Davis & Finger man, also similar to studies done by Mc Williams et 2016). Usually, it is anticipated that females al. and Alterovitzet al.(Alterovitz & may post more photos understanding the Mendelsohn, 2011; Mc Williams & Barrett, importance given to ; 2014). however, in the present sample, it was males We found that a low number of females who posted more pictures to convince provided their self-description and provided potential partners. The purpose of these a smaller number of profile pictures pictures might be to display their physical compared to males, which could be due to strength (showing gym pics,sports, safety reasons. The average word count and portraying biceps) and also to indicate their the words used in self-description among wealth or affordability (picture with iPhone, males and females were almost similar. We car/bike; travel pictures) which may attract did not find anyone reporting the reason/ 69 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

Table 4 – Result of description analysis of profiles

Profile Description Number of Number of male profiles female pr ofiles Description was provided 30 (60%) 21 (42%) Described their what they looking for in dating app (e.g. 11 (36.7%) 9 (42.9%)

looking for looking for a relationship , love, meaningful/good conversation, friend, fun) Mentioned ‘not for hookups’ 1 (3.3%) 3 (14.3%) Described themselves as a dog lover 2 (6.7%) 0 (0%) Described themselves as foodie or food lover 4 (13.3%) 6 (28.6%) Described themselves as fitness freak or sports lover 4 (13.3%) 1 (4.8%)

Mentioned their zodiac sign 3 (10%) 0 (0%)

Showing to be multilinguistic 2 (6.7%) 0 (0%) Music lover 5 (16.7%) 3 (14.3%) T raveller 9 (30%) 3 (14.3%) Mentioned height * 7 (23.3%) 0 (0%) Knows how to cook and do laundry 3 (10%) 0 (0%)

Loves to party 2 (6.7%) 2 (9.5%)

Mentioned themselves as ‘shopaholic’ 1 (3.3%) 1 (4.7%) Loves to dance 0 (0%) 2 (9.5%) Mentioned about alcohol drink/use(beer, whisky, wine) 5 (16.7%) 0 (0%) or smoke (pot, cigar) use* Mentioned tea or coffee 3 (10%) 2 (9.5%)

Mentioned their favourite music* 8 (26.7%) 2 (9.5%) *p-value <0.05 purpose for using the dating application as & Thakurata, 2013; Mahajan et al., 2013); but for casual sex/hook up on contrast to a study a survey shows that more than a quarter of done in the United States, which found that youngsters are involved in in 17.9% of women and 33.1% of men North India (Sharma, 2001). Second, it is reported using dating platforms of hookup possible that the sampled profiles were (Lykens et al., 2019). Two reasons can explain genuinely looking for a life partner/ lover. this. First, profiles did not mention it because We found that to attract the opposite sex, of social desirability in expressing intentions males mention about their height (notably of casual sex. A spremarital sex is against the taller males), present themselves as a existing social norms in India (Chakraborty traveller, and muscular. Males mentioned

70 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) about cooking and laundry skills in the self- References description and presented themselves to be a Alterovitz, S. S.-R., & Mendelsohn, G. A. (2011). multilingual, dog lover, and a fitness freak Partner preferences across the life span: Online might be the new dimensions for a desirable dating by older adults. dating profile. These findings may not be statistically significant, but can not be Berk, L. E., & Myers, A. (2016). Infants, children, adolescents 8th edition. Boston, MA: Allyn & ignored as they reflect the changing Bacon. presentation of the current young generation. Buss, D. M. (1988). The evolution of human intrasexual competition: Tactics of mate To the best of our knowledge, this was the attraction. Journal of Personality and Social first study from India for analysis of online Psychology, 54(4), 616. dating profiles. We had a small sample size from one dating platform, limited to younger Buss, D. M. (1989). Sex differences in human mate preferences: Evolutionary hypotheses adults, and the probability of mis tested in 37 cultures. Behavioral and Brain representation or a fake profile can not be Sciences, 12(1), 1-14. ruled out. Therefore, findings from this study cannot be generalised. Further studies Chakraborty, K., & Thakurata, R. G. (2013). with larger sample size and participant Indian concepts on sexuality. Indian Journal of interviews are required to generate more Psychiatry, 55(Suppl 2), S250-S255. evidence. However, the study could not Data Basic. (n.d.). WordCounter. Retrieved provide an in-depth understanding of the March 23, 2020, from https:// www. data concept of online dating in the Indian basic.io /en/wordcounter /#paste context. Also, how marketing/business Davis, E. M., & Fingerman, K. L. (2016). Digital strategies are contributing to the increase in dating: Online profile content of older and online dating may be explored further. younger adults. Journals of Gerontology Series Conclusion B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 71(6), 959-967. Most of the college students used these Finkel, E. J., Eastwick, P. W., Karney, B. R., Reis, dating applications. Males posted a higher H. T., & Sprecher, S. (2012). Online dating: A number of pictures and displayed pictures critical analysis from the perspective of with valuable items, physical strength and psychological science. Psychological Science in presented themselves travellers, gym/sports the Public Interest, 13(1), 3-66. lover compared to the females. The purpose mentioned by both the sexes was to look for a Halpern, D. F., Benbow, C. P., Geary, D. C., Gur, R. C., Hyde, J. S., & Gernsbacher, M. A. (2007). lover on the dating application. These The science of sex differences in science and findings can help in understanding the mathematics. Psychological Science in the Public differences between males and females in Interest, 8(1), 1-51. their self-presentation on an online dating platform. Levy, J., Markell, D., & Cerf, M. (2019). Polar Similars: Using massive mobile dating data to Acknowledgement: We are thankful to Dr. predict dating preferences. Frontiers in Anil, Dr. Anvesh, Dr. Harshit, Dr. Rahul, Dr. Psychology, 10, 2010. Ritwik, Dr. Saurav and Dr. Umesh for Lykens, J., Pilloton, M., Silva, C., Schlamm, E., helping us in various stages of study. Wilburn, K., & Pence, E. (2019). Google for Funding: No funding received sexual relationships: Mixed-methods study on Conflict of interest: None digital and online dating among

71 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) adolescent youth and young adults. JMIR Public McWilliams, S., & Barrett, A. E. (2014). Online Health and Surveillance, 5(2), e10695. dating in middle and later life: Gendered Mahajan, P. T., Pimple, P., Palsetia, D., Dave, N., expectations and experiences. Journal of Family & De Sousa, A. (2013). Indian religious concepts Issues, 35(3), 411-436. on sexuality and marriage. Indian Journal of Sharma, R. (2001). More than a quarter of India's Psychiatry, 55(Suppl 2), S256-S262. youngsters have premarital sex. BMJ?: British Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human Medical Journal, 322(7286), 575. motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370.

72 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Original Article Love at first byte: A mixed-method study about online dating in India Deblina Ray1, Pallavi Rai2 1 Assistant Professor, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, UP, India 2 Nursing Officer, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

Date of Submission : Abstract 16 April 2020 The advancement in social media has influenced how we Date of Acceptance : communicate in daily lives, especially towards our partners 15 May 2020 and romantic relationships. It is important to understand how people present themselves and perceives others, how we relate to each other during the process of online dating. The aim of the study was to explore the attitude of Indians towards online dating and to explore the qualities of a potential partner and self-concept of the respondents. An online cross-sectional survey was done using a self- report questionnaire. The study was conducted by Whatsaap and Gmail and included only volunteers. The study found that the majority of people (90%) would come for chatting with other people and the most common traits among the desirability of the people to be loyalty and honesty followed by understanding and sense of humor. It also found that the majority of the people were looking for a long term, stable relationship. As online dating and matchmaking have become rampant, Keywords: Online dating, people should try to keep themselves informed and proceed Attitude, Self-concept. to the world of online dating with a little caution.

Introduction saying goes, "love defies all calculation". The Although there has been an effort from a explosion in the use of Smart phone long time to intervene in the process of love applications such as dating apps has and romantic relationships of people as the significantly transformed many aspects of society, communication, and relationships Corresponding Author : Miss Deblina Roy among people. Online dating (also known as E Mail: [email protected] internet dating) is referred to as an alternative How to cite the article : Roy, D., Rai, P. (2020). Love at first byte: A mixed method study about online to meet the potential partner through various dating in India. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & media such as through dedicated websites or Culture, 6(1), 73-82. DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929255 online dating application such as Tinder,

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Happn or Grindr, OkCupid, etc. via smart Sentinel (Economic times, 2017). In 2018, phones to develop personal and romantic 2.7% of people in India used an online dating relationships (Rosenfeld & Thomas, 2012). service. This tripled the amount over 2017. The development of technology has 20-30% of users are from small-town and the considerably changed the patterns of majority of the user base is of the age of 24 communication and so has the equation of years or younger. The most popular dating romantic relationships (Sassler, 2010). The sites in India are ‘Tinder’ female-friendly advancement of the technology and app ‘Bumble’ and ‘OkCupid’ and they have explosion in the usage of smartphones has made an effort to penetrate the India dating changed the way we deal with the outside market (Heino et al., 2010). In India, the world by their various applications (Lee & majority (74%) of the users are men while Bruckman, 2007). According to a national only 26% of users are female. survey regarding dating and relationships in A data given by Tinder uses and revenue the digital era, 11% of American adults statistics revealed that there are 57 million especially singles (38%) and looking for Tinder users in 190 countries and its available relationships in the US, have used Online in 40 languages and per week 20 million users Dating agencies or dating applications. go on date. About 95% of the user base of European countries also rely heavily on Tinder meet their matches within in a week. online dating (38%) as an effective method 2% of male Tinder profiles identified as for choosing their romantic interests (Gatter homosexual or bisexual, compared with & Hodkinson, 2016). 0.01% of female profiles (Clement, 2020). In According to a survey done in 2018, almost selecting the partner for dating women prefer half (46%) of the daters had found their mates with high socioeconomic status while partner online through dating apps, and men men prefer physically attractive women. are more likely to fall in love and get married Overall, users valued interpersonal to their online romances than women while communication more than sex appeal online dating. 52% of the user base accepted (Menkin et al., 2015). A survey reported that that dating apps made them more judgmental the use of dating apps has increased to physical appearance and peoples' looks significantly during the COVID-19 (Lykens et al., 2019). pandemic, reportedly 82% of single daters turned online for their dating needs during The users of online dating services have the self-quarantine in their homes. Half of admitted that 53% have lied in their online the people reported their preference for dating profile. Women lied more than men dating online, in the beginning, to get and the most common dishonesties being acquainted with their potential partners to about looks and physical appearance and in avoid the spread of COVID-19 and remain their profile, posted edited photos and safe. 30% of the users said that they are going photos of their younger selves while men to just stick with messaging and chatting with mostly lie about their financial status (Heino matches until they can meet up in person. et al., 2010).10 % of online dating profiles are Only 5% of singles reported that they are fake and online romance scam is on top 10 going to stop dating altogether until the virus out of 1000 scams, reported in Consumer passes (Kar, 2020).

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People with low self-esteem and who engage dating partner and self-concept about in risky sexual behaviors are more likely to be themselves. involved in online dating ((Sasson & Mesch, 2014). A study identified that adults have six Methodology: The study was initially motivations to use online dating: love, casual conceptualized as a qualitative study, along sex, ease of communication, self-worth with detailed in-depth interview with people. validation, thrill of excitement, and Later after conducting a few interviews, the trendiness. These motivations differ approach was changed into a mixed-method according to one's age and gender. Tinder study based on self-report. This study was was recognized as a hookup app without conducted online as a survey on dating emotional intimacy, bonding or a committed behaviors in India. A self-report relationship (Sumter et al., 2017). questionnaire was developed using available literature into an online form and sent to the Online dating websites has its disadvantages contacts through social media. The study was too as it involves issues related to limited conducted virtually on the internet using social presence, distrust in the protection of commonly used social media platforms such personal information, time-consuming, as WhatsApp, text message, and e-mail. most of the time unrelated physical presence. A study found that those who engage in Participants: This study only included online relationships tend to have low levels volunteers. The inclusion criteria were kept of concern and people with risky sexual as broad as possible. Participants from the behaviors are more likely to be involved in age-group of 18- 50 years were approached online interaction (Heino et al., 2010). online. People who have access to smart phones, internet connection, and used social Earlier, online dating sites were stigmatized media platforms such as WhatsApp, as a venue for the desperate. Now it has Facebook, etc. were included in the study. become a popular platform to meeting mates. The study of current trends of online Variables: The variables under the study can dating and a high user base can provide be broadly classified into socio-demographic insight regarding this phenomenon. Finding variables, attitude, and experience about partner on online dating system have much online dating and reported self-concept and larger pools because of its credibility, depth qualitative responses. They were asked about of information shared in profiles and the their expectation from a partner and why sentiment that it is a more natural would someone like to date them. environment where people with the same Tools: A self-str uctured online interests can meet and interact (Hamilton, questionnaire with 4 sections was developed 2016). in view to observe the research variables. The involvement of people with online Informed consent leads to the opening of dating websites or applications may also be the form which after collecting the socio- related to their attitudes and perceptions demographic details assesses on a multiple option scale the attitude of the respondent about it, the people believe that they could regarding online dating. After that section, easily build relationships online and can the self-concept is reported on a 5 point interact in an environment without meeting Likert-scale. And the respondents have to them in person (Heino et al., 2010). Hence, answer the qualitative components in short the study aimed to explore the attitude of answer type text entries. The quantitative Indians towards an online dating or internet variables were socio-demographic variables, romantic relationship, who should be an ideal attitude scale, and perceived self-concept. 75 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

The qualitative data has been thematically partners the respondents seemed least likely coded and analyzed. We used statistical to send audio and video clips. methods such as mean, standard deviation, The response to the question regarding their and frequency and percentage and thematic interest in offline dating was given by all the coding. 106 participants, 56% of the respondents Results: We received 105 responses from were interested in meeting their potential Feb 20th to March 26th, 2020. partners in a café, almost 40% wanted to meet them at a restaurant, 24% wanted to Socio-demography : The mean age of the meet them at a mall. Among 105 respondents participants was 25.33 ± 4.73 years and the 31.7% wanted to date online and 38% did not age range of the respondents was from 19- want to date online and 29% had already 39 years. The majority of responses in the been dating online. study were received from, Uttar Pradesh, followed by West Bengal, followed by Delhi, Self-concept rating : The self-concept of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnakata, the people is summarized in Table 1. The Mizoram, Bihar, and Uttarakhand (Fig:1). major findings regarding the self- concept of 65.1% of the respondents were male. The the respondents are that more than half majority (86.8%) of the people followed (55%) of the participants felt that they were Hinduism. 76.4% of the participants resided satisfied with themselves, more than half of in the urban area followed by 13.2% in the them (56.6%) thought they could respect semi-urban area and rest in the rural area themselves more. 94% of the respondents (10.4%). The majority of the participants had a positive attitude about themselves. (69.8%) were educated above the graduate level (38.7% graduate and 31.1% Qualitative analysis: The study had two postgraduate). 70.4% of the respondents broad questions. The first question requires never dated online before. the respondents to outline the qualities that they want to highlight about themselves that Attitude about online dating: Among the can be criteria for likability for online dating. 51 people who had dated online before, 29% T he second question was about started dating in 2020, 31.3% had been dating characteristics that interest the responder. before 2016. 78 people replied to the The broad opening questions had various question regarding their reasons for dating types of responses these were thematically online. 37.2% were looking out for stable organized into a few characteristics. long term relationships. 24% were checking people out and 15.4% were looking for open The responses of the first question, found relationships, and 14.1% were looking for the most common traits among the hooking up and 9% were looking for casual desirability of the people to be loyalty and dating relationships. Among all the honesty followed by understanding and participants (N=105), 81% preferred dating sense of humor (Fig 2). Physical beauty and family background were found to be some of offline, only 15.2% wanted to date online. 85 the least reported preferences for dating people responded to the question regarding among men and women both their choices on the online dating among them. 90.5% preferred to chat with their 14 responses from the men were regarding potential partners, 27.4% wanted to video uncertainty about their qualities (why they call, 17.9% wanted to share pictures, 13.1% should be liked). Three of those people who wanted to 'sext' (sexual chatting) their were uncertain about their qualities were also

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Table 1: Self-concept of the respondents (N=105) Sl. Statement Positive response 1 On the whole, I am satisfied with myself. 89.7% 2 At times I think I am no good at all. 59.4% 3 I feel that I have a number of good qualities. 93.4% 4 I am able to do things as well as most other people. 88.7% 5 I feel I do not have much to be proud of. 59.6% 6 I certainly feel useless at times 55.7% 7 I feel that I'm a person of worth. 82% 8 I wish I could have more respect for myself 19.8% 9 All in all, I am inclined to think that I am a failure. 84.9% 10 I take a positive attitude toward myself. 93.4% uncertain about what they were looking for compassionate, dedicated person with simplicity and in their partners. Five responses of women adjustability”. This is a good way of were regarding their uncertainty about their perception and such qualities are usually likability but they did have reasons for their expected by the women. The most typical likability. response received from the women regarding expectation from a partner was “honest loyal Some of the typical responses from the men and respecting with a good sense of humour”. received in the study are “I am an honest,

Figure 1: Distribution of participants in the study

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Figure 2: Characteristics of the participants

Looking at the expectations from the men in affects relationship formation and the study we typically find a pattern (Fig 2). progression majorly. According to studies, The most typical response received from millions of people look for partners online men regarding their expectations of qualities and dating sites try to provide suggestions from their partners includes the following, using algorithms (Su & Hu, 2019; Xia et al., "Loyal, great sense of humor, intelligent". The 2016). So, our study was aimed at what response of women to about their likability people perceive about online dating and how typically consisted of responses such as "I it affects them. Men and women both use the think I'm witty, smart, caring, and fun to be with". internet and various applications to engage in romantic relationships online. Our study The study found that a very less number of was aimed at identifying people's preferences people 8.5% gave importance to physical about dating and preferable traits in their beauty as a quality to be expected in their potential partners. We took adults from the potential partners which is quite contrary to age of 18-50 years. Studies have reported that the common belief. the age of dating although it is much less than Discussion that of the conventional age, can range from 15- 70 years many dating apps have age, The internet has become an undeniable part gender, and sexual orientation-specific sites of the modern world. The majority of the and applications (Su & Hu, 2019). A review work has already moved online through the of literature from 2012 reported that there internet, along with socialization. The were high chances and good scope for people romance has also gone online; people look to date online, the landscape of dating has for their potential partners online. Dating, been changing and online dating gives which has separate platforms online now 78 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) increased access to potential partners and and honesty; the findings show that there is a helps them match with each other (Finkel et chance of trust issues when people date al., 2012). This does not always guarantee a online, many studies have reported that better outcome of the relationships. In people usually fake their profiles to make contemporary times, it has become a themselves attractive, the virtual world common platform for seeking more than just makes it possible to create illusions about romantic relationships. There are specific oneself. This could be the most important reasons why people turn into certain online reason behind honesty being the most applications. Usually, all types of people desirable trait while looking for a potential come on dating applications and social sites romantic partner (Sasson & Mesch, 2014). to look for potential partners. So, it is not In our study, we found that majority of the only the online dating apps but the people were looking for stable relationships matrimonial sites and social networking sites mostly for the long term and some for also are platforms for searching potential uncertain periods but only 14% of the partners and engaging in sexual and romantic respondents were looking for ‘hook-ups’ on relationships. The present-day dating line. This finding is a little different from the scenario is much more than romance, it has findings and claims of online dating agencies hookups, and open relationships, various and applications (Frazzetto, 2010; Gatter & people come online for various reasons. Our Hodkinson, 2016). The majority of the study found that the majority of people would come for chatting with other people participants in the study were willing to date (89%). Online dating platforms usually use online or were dating online, which indicates that feature to provide matching and use that that online dating has taken a big place in the to get to know about the people from there lives of the generations. The current scenario (Frazzetto, 2010). The studies on online of pandemic and social distancing has dating had similar socio-demographic become beneficial for people to look for features to this study, young people, residing dates online. Although there is reduced in urban areas with access to the internet and contact people are more engaged in romantic educated up to high school were among the activities online for their loved ones as participants of their study (Lykens et al., reported by news (Friedman, 2020). The 2019). We considered people above the age other qualities both noted by men and of 18 years but studies say that much younger women are ‘good, loyalty, honesty respect, population also accesses online to involve understanding, humor, friendliness, and themselves in romantic relationships beauty’. Although a majority of the profiles (Hamilton, 2016). In rural areas of the did not mention the physical beauty they developed countries people were less into emphasized more on the qualities, like, online dating (Lykens et al., 2019). In our respect, understanding, humor, maturity, etc. study, respondents were belonged to urban this also shows that people are shifting their areas majorly. views from the apparent notion of physical Studies have reported that men and women beauty. Few participants responded very look for different qualities among their differently from the others its worth to note a potential partners (Xia et al., 2016). In our few, a male participant responded to the study, we found that there was similarity in question about his likability like this, "because some characteristics and differences in many I'm decent, educated, have a class and a good of them. The most common desirable background" another male participant quality among men and women were loyalty responded, to the same question that, “because

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I deserve it”. There was another important people has become a general commonplace. pattern that could be noted which is put into This has led to the development of separate the section of desperation. We found that platforms, specially dedicated to romantic some people think that they need to date and sexual match making and relationships. someone just for being in a relationship as They have impacted social life since the early they say. "I am interested in dating", "Because I am second decade of the millennia. Online single" and "people should date me as everyone needs dating and match making have become a to date someone and so I think someone should date rampant and easy solution to people for me". This type of statement also depicts that connecting and being together. The cheap dating among young adults is the norm and if access to the internet and enormity of social people remain single they feel desperate to be media makes one inevitable to engage in such in relationships. This type of person gets type of behaviors. Our study found that vulnerable online and can become potential people in India currently prefer offline dating targets for abuse and usually end up in more than online dating, although majority difficult situations (Collibee et al., 2018; of them try online dating. Usually, people Collibee & Furman, 2014; Lykens et al., look for stable and long term relationships 2019). When we look at expectations of for dating but there are also a good number people from their potential partners online, of people who wish to have open we observe the pattern where, honesty, relationships and hook-ups. There is only loyalty, understanding, humor, respect, and limited opportunity to get to know the responsibility were the most sought after person and usually, the romance can become qualities. Participants valued those traits over fast-paced. Online dating is an effective way physical beauty in the majority of the to search for partners as it becomes easy to responses. A few of the unusual responses find people near and far to start a relationship received in the expectation of partners were, with but people with poor self-concept and "she should be beautiful with remarkable features of desperation can bring about issues regarding a great asset which I can bank on at times to take a exploitation abuse. The data published decision”. another uncommon response online is virtually indestructible so there are received was, "Good Looks, Good Looks, Good high chances of fraud and technology- Looks". Another deep-rooted colonial mind- facilitated sexual abuse which can be set was also depicted, where people focused detrimental to both the physical and mental on traits of good personality, understanding, health of the associated person. Generally and intelligence one response was notably online was found to be an acceptable method just, ‘Fair skin’. These types of behaviors to look for partners, and make friends with were also noted in studies throughout the people whom you may not meet otherwise. world (Collibee et al., 2018; Lykens et al., The online dating exposes the younger age 2019; Su & Hu, 2019). The preference still group to vulnerabity of being abused and people chose offline dating instead of online fraud. Many People who have ill intentions dating. The reasons are obvious dating and may pose as a friend can harm a vulnerable romance seek to fulfill the basic need for person. This study is limited to small sample companionship and mating and a majority of size and larger sample with more detailed it is unachievable by online means. studies will be needed to generalize the findings. Mental health is usually vulnerable Conclusion to relationships in life; online relationships Online dating has become a common trend, can have both beneficial and detrimental people making profiles online and dating effects on the lives of people who pursue so. 80 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

People should try to keep themselves differences between TinderTM versus online informed and proceed to the world of online dating agencies: Questioning a myth. An dating with a little caution. This will make the exploratory study. Cogent Psychology, 3(1), 1162414. experience a smooth and expected one. Hamilton, N. F. (2016). Romantic relationships Funding: No funding received and online dating. In Applied cyberpsychology: Practical applications of cyberpsychological Conflict of interest: None theory and research. (pp. 144-160). References Palgrave Macmillan. Clement, J. (2020). o Tinder top countries iOS Heino, R. D., Ellison, N. B., & Gibbs, J. L. (2010). revenue 2019 | Statista [Business statistics]. Relationshopping: Investigating the market https://www.statista.com/ statistics/ 1027269/ metaphor in online dating. Journal of Social and tinder-ios-revenue-in-leading-markets/ Personal Relationships, 27(4), 427-447. Collibee, C., & Furman, W. (2014). Impact of Kar, S. (2020). Dating apps find love in the time sexual coercion on romantic experiences of of Covid. Economic TImes, India Times. adolescents and young adults. Archives of Sexual https://economictimes. indiatimes. com/small- Behavior, 43(7), 1431-1441. biz/startups/features/dating-apps-find-love-in- Collibee, C., Rizzo, C. J., Kemp, K., Hood, E., the-time-of-covid/ articleshow/ 75641226. Doucette, H., Gittins Stone, D. I., & DeJesus, B. cms?utm_ source= contentofinterest&utm_ (2018). Depressive Symptoms Moderate Dating medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst Violence Prevention Outcomes Among Lee, A. Y., & Bruckman, A. S. (2007). Judging You Adolescent Girls. Journal of Interpersonal by the Company You Keep: Dating on Social Violence, 886260518770189-886260518770 Networking Sites. Proceedings of the 2007 189. International ACM Conference on Supporting Economic times. (2017, October 30). How safe Group Work, 371-378. are online dating apps? - Before you strike a Lykens, J., Pilloton, M., Silva, C., Schlamm, E., match. The Economic Times. https:// Wilburn, K., & Pence, E. (2019). Google for economictimes.indiatimes.com/ tech/software Sexual Relationships: Mixed-Methods Study on /how-safe-are-online-dating-apps/before -you- Digital Flirting and Online Dating Among strike-a-match/slideshow /61339519.cms Adolescent Youth and Young Adults. JMIR Finkel, E. J., Eastwick, P. W., Karney, B. R., Reiss, Public Health and Surveillance, 5(2), e10695-e10 H. T., & Spercher, S. (n.d.). Online Dating: A 695. Critical Analysis From the Perspective of Menkin, J. A., Robles, T. F., Wiley, J. F., & Psychological Science. Psychological Science in Gonzaga, G. C. (2015). Online dating across the the Public Interest, 13(1), 3-66. life span: Users' relationship goals. Psychology Frazzetto, G. (2010). The science of online and Aging, 30(4), 987-993. dating. Can the application of science to unravel Rosenfeld, M. J., & Thomas, R. J. (2012). the biological basis of love complement the Searching for a Mate: The Rise of the Internet as traditional, romantic ideal of finding a soul mate? a Social Intermediary. American Sociological EMBO Reports, 11(1), 25-27. Review, 77(4), 523-547. Friedman, M. (2020, April 8). Six feet from love: Sassler, S. (2010). Partnering Across the Life Dating during a pandemic. We Are Social. Course: Sex, Relationships, and Mate Selection. https://wearesocial.com/blog/ 2020/04/six- Journal of Marriage and the Family, 72(3), 557- feet-from-love-dating-during-a-pandemic 575. Gatter, K., & Hodkinson, K. (2016). On the Sasson, H., & Mesch, G. (2014). Parental

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82 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1), June 2020 ISSN 2581-575X https://www.iisb.org./

Commentary Sexual misconceptions in Bangladesh: Role of digital media Md. Golam Rabbani1, Md Abdul Alim2, Sunitha Pillai3, Russell Kabir4, S M Yasir Arafat5 1Field Research Assistant, Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh 2Graduate Research Student, Northwestern Polytechnical University, China 3Postgraduate Public Health Student, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK 4Senior Lecturer, School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, UK 5Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Date of Submission : Abstract 24 March 2020 Date of Acceptance : Sex and sexuality are integral aspects of human civilization 12 April 2020 and has a positive influence on human lives. Various myths and misconceptions are associated with sex and sexuality in many countries including Bangladesh. A narrative review has performed to reappraise the myths and misconceptions associated with sex in Bangladesh. The common misconceptions are related with Dhat syndrome, deformity of the penis, changes in penile size, duration of intercourse, masturbation, and nightfall. Misconceptions about sex can be disastrous with detrimental effects on family life. Social media plays a vital role in misconnection both in positive and negative aspects. Social media can influence thinking and can be used to educate the population to fight the battle against popular misconceptions. The use of digital media Keywords: to enforce a positive and mature approach towards sexual Bangladesh, Sexual education can help tackle this menace. The study has misconception, Sexual suggested conducting more scientific studies to assess the behavior, Digital media. role of digital media on sexual misconceptions.

Introduction Development Goals (MDG) significantly (Health Bulletin, 2018). The literacy rate is Bangladesh is a developing country in South increasing day by day and currently, the adult Asia with more than 160 million people and population literacy rate is 72.9% (Health achieved health-related Millennium Bulletin, 2018). However, the health literacy Corresponding Author : Dr. S.M. Yasir Arafat state is still in dearth in Bangladesh as formal E Mail: [email protected] education, training, and research on this How to cite the article : Rabbani, M.G., Alim, M.A., subject are limited (Arafat and Ahmed, Pillai, S., Kabir, R., Arafat, S.M.Y. (2020). Sexual 2017). Though the Government of misconceptions in Bangladesh: Role of digital media. Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture, 6(1), 83-88. Bangladesh has recently taken an initiative to DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.3929265 expand adolescent-friendly health services 83 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1)

(AFHS) throughout the country to extend adopt new intervention and investment plans sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for improving sexual education, beliefs, and services to unmarried adolescents, there is no behavior in Bangladesh. Thus, this study structured sexual education program at the a i m e d t o i d e n t i f y t h e e x i s t i n g school level or by the family in Bangladesh misconceptions about sexuality in (Ainul et al., 2017). This is so because sex and Bangladesh and what role of available digital sexuality remain taboo and prohibited for media platforms can play towards the discussions due to social, cultural, and misconceptions. The findings from the study religious reasons. As a result, in the 21st show that available misconceptions on sex century, myths and misconceptions about and sexuality exist in Bangladesh and what, sex and sexuality is still a covert issue in and how digital media can play a role in Bangladesh (Arafat, 2019; Arafat and existing sexual misconceptions in either Ahmed, 2017; Ahsan et al., 2016), though, direction. over the past several decades, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in human Sexual misconceptions in Bangladesh development indicators (Bangladesh Bureau Several misconceptions about sex and of Statistics [BBS], 2016; Sawada et al., 2017). From a medical viewpoint, the reproductive sexuality are available in Bangladesh. The system is as important as any other system in common myths and misconceptions are the human body and hence diseases related related to Dhat Syndrome, size of the penis, to the reproductive system including sex and duration of intercourse, deformity of the sexuality need to be addressed without penis, elongation of penis, masturbation, stigma. Bangladesh, therefore, has nightfall (wet dreams), and . recognized an exemplary championship of Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome unprecedented success story in terms of of the Indian subcontinent which is and maternal and child characterized by a preoccupation with loss of health and renowned as ‘miracle’ across the ‘Dhat’ () and attribution of different world (Adams et al., 2013; Sawada et al., physical and psychological symptoms 2017). Unfortunately, over the same decades, (Arafat, 2017). Popular misconceptions Bangladesh's culture of silence around about male sexual functions revolve around sexuality has not been changed at that level. ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction, With the advent of sexually transmitted and lack of libido. Another obnoxious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, there has been common misconception that is present in some transition from silence to discussions society for decades is that ‘a man who cannot focused on unsafe sexual practices leading to sexually satisfy his partner is not a real man’. the contraction of deadly diseases. Besides, Many factors such as medical factors, modern technology has a definitive role in partner-related factors, relationship-related contributing to this transition (Rashid and factors, individual vulnerability factors, and Akram, 2014). Furthermore, available cultural & religious factors may influence studies except for some discussion meetings sexual dysfunction in males but it has been on the misconception about sex and sexuality believed that due to bad behavior such as issues and the role of digital media could be masturbation this problem arises. Popular found very limited in Bangladesh that myths also exist about sex organ size, resolving about sexuality misconceptions. duration of intercourse, and Eventually, regarding the issue, empirical studies are not available globally. However, amongst many people in Bangladesh. It has such studies are essential for policymakers to been believed that sexual capability in contrast to financial capability is the attribute 84 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) of a real man. In this context, to be a real man The burden of sexual misconception should have a large, and/or long penis. Regarding penis size people's opinion is Sex and sexuality are important aspects varied but preference is given to in between especially for the adolescence and a crucial 6-10 inches and men thought that otherwise, public health issue (Cash et al., 2001). One a woman will not be able to feel that what is study in Bangladesh found that about 55% going in and out of her vagina! Eventually, of the patients of a psychiatric sex clinic had there is a misconception that women are sex misconceptions and 29% visited only for hungry and therefore, unable to be satisfied misconception (Arafat and Ahmed, 2017). even by two or three men. Regarding the Misconceptions associated with sex and myths of sexuality, another very recent study sexuality sadly dominate society and identified different myths from the male unfortunately, there is not much data perspective and show that some men believe available from reliable sources to gain apt that women also ejaculate when they knowledge in this regard. On the other hand, experience orgasm. Some believe that semen good helps in the desirable is the essence of life and its loss damages decline of associated mortality thereby one's health and sexual intercourse and sex preventing unwanted, early and risky during pregnancy harms the health of a , and sexually transmitted woman. Moreover, the study found more diseases. Empirical evidence shows that both indulgence in sex at a younger age. ‘Dreams in an urban and rural area, local and foreign wets’ refer to weakness. Women's virginity is pornography available by the internet is the also a concern to men and a woman's main source of sex education (Rashid and virginity has been prooved by her intact Akram, 2014). It is also a familiar source to be hymen (Miah et al, 2015). Another study educated about sex from available local revealed that masturbation is only done by magazines sold by street hawkers. Blue film boys or men. However, it is scientifically via portable CD and DVD is also one of the proven that masturbation is a normal common sources to learn about sex. The phenomenon irrespective of gender (Arafat local cinema hall is also a prominent source and Khan, 2019; Rashid and Akram, 2014). of information about sex and sexuality. White discharge, menstruation, and wet Undesirable knowledge about sex and dream are identified as bad for health. misinformation about the topic, in general, Eventually, during the menstruation period, may mislead the public thereby encouraging people often tend to use the term ‘Shorir sex crimes, unrealistic expectations about sex Kharap’ instead of the name of the natural causing problems in healthy family life. process (Miah et al., 2015; Alam et al., 2017). People are influenced by existing sources to Another misconception is that eunuch know about sex and sexuality and try to do it people do not have or have incomplete real life. Due to the practice or malpractice sexual organs. Homosexuality is considered a therefore, many times these arise unwanted mental disorder by many. Science stated that situations like rape and other sex crimes, the sexual desire comprises of sexual thoughts, problem in family life and health. As sex and fantasies, and needs and wishes to engage in sexuality still are taboo in Bangladesh, people sexual relationships regardless of gender. may not able to share their thoughts and The patriarchal system in Bangladesh does sought their quarries which may lead to occur not acknowledge female sexual desire (Alam violence in society. Studies have shown that et al., 2017). people always stay in anxieties due to sexual

85 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) performance believing the sexual myths and 2017). Therefore, there is no doubt that misconceptions (Arafat, 2017). On the other people especially adolescents are becoming hand, adversely affected by the existing increasingly connected to the digital world sources. Moreover, for common health and that they are using social media to find problems such as white discharge, fistula, support and information they want including prolapse, menstrual problems, reproductive sex and sexuality in Bangladesh. and urinary tract infections, and sexual problems people usually a choice to informal Social media is an umbrella term describing healthcare sources such as vaids, kabiraj, social networking sites and platforms where shamans, and traditional healers (Arafat and users create their personal or group profiles Ahmed, 2017; Rashid et al., 2011; Rashid and and share content with others. Such a Akram, 2014). A recent study has revealed platform is a well-established valuable that inappropriate knowledge about sex from communication tool for community building pornographic sources can result in the and meaningfully contributes towards stronger partner which is usually men bringing a change in society (Manduleyet al., demanding these favors from their weaker 2018). In contrast to traditional sexuality counterparts. Refusal from their partners to education, the digital environment offers indulge in these acts can result in men anonymity, informality, portability, and the choosing to pay for sex to satisfy their sexual ability to remotely interact with peers and fantasies despite knowing the risks experts (UNICEF, 2019). The freedom of associated. Sexual gratification is variable and information offered by Social media allows may be oral, anal, sadistic, group encounters, people to access sites from almost anywhere or without using any protection which can be in the world when required. Therefore, fatal due to the prevalence of sexually digital health interventions such as Facebook transmitted diseases. Some myths exist or YouTube may develop and include around the use of the with the opportunities for interpersonal connection, condom being a barrier to attaining sexual community development, and comprehensive gratification (Rashid and Akram, 2014). health information. A recent study on digital intervention for sexual health has concluded Role of digital media that digital intervention provides accurate information about sexuality according to Nowadays social media has become an one's needs (Steinke et al., 2017). Digital essential part of everyday life for people all media might be the appropriate strategy to over the world. In early 2020, more than 4.5 improve the quality of sexual life as well as billion people across the world have been reduce misconceptions. Significant connected to the internet, while more than opportunities exist to improve the education 3.8 billion people use social media. of sex and sexual health issues through the Bangladesh has rapidly adapted to the digital proper utilization of digital media (UNICEF, era with 55% of the population being 2019). Though the use of social media can connected to the internet (We Are social Inc., have major impacts on reducing 2020). Interestingly, in Bangladesh, around misconceptions about sensuality. However, 94% of the social media users access social simultaneously evidence also shown that networking sites like Facebook and Twitter unscientific and unregulated posts, with a through mobile phone devices, while 24% of society's acceptance and supportive of myths the declared profiles of the country's and misconceptions, in digital social media Facebook users are female (Alam et al., may influence people adversely. Because fake 86 Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality & Culture Volume (6), Issue (1) or unscientific information can constitute Alam, F., Khan, S.A., Hasan, T., Ahmed, S.F., social conditions that are conducive to sexual Rommes, E., and Roodsaz, R. (2017). Let's misconceptions among people in society Debunk the Misconceptions. James P Grant (World Health Organization [WHO], 2010). School of Public Health, BRAC University, Bangladesh, 1-27. Conclusion Arafat, S.M.Y., and Khan, S.T. (2019). Childhood Sex and sexuality education through digital Masturbation: A case report in Bangladesh. media have identified a tool which can offer Journal of Psychosexual Health,1(3-4), 280-282. to gain accurate knowledge to improve attitudes and practices against myths and Arafat, S.M.Y., and Ahmed, S. (2017).Burden of Misconception in SexualHealth Care Setting: A misconception. To promote digital media Cross-Sectional Investigation among the ensuring its proper use, more study is Patients Attending a Psychiatric Sex Clinic of required in Bangladesh. The study suggests Bangladesh. Psychiatry Journal, 2017,9827083. that Bangladesh should give priority to the development of technical guidance and Arafat, S.M.Y. (2019). is an Untouched formulate a structured framework for sex Research Topic in Bangladesh. Indian Journal of education through digital media using an Health, Sexuality & Culture, 5(2), 104-107. international website platform such as Google, YouTube, Android etc. to provide Arafat, S.M.Y. (2017). Dhat Syndrome: Culture accurate information under the strong Bound, Separate Entity, or Removed. Journal of regulation system to control unscientific and Behavioral Health, 6(3), 147-150. unauthentic information. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2016). Statistical Pocket Book Bangladesh, 2015. 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