Social media has a positive effect in promoting the sexual health behavior of adolescents and youth especially when guided professionally. The internet in general and social media in particular contribute to the development of young people’s sexual identities and intimate practices. It helps avoid embarrassment and shame to ask questions confidentially. Using role models and guiding the content facilitates social media use for access and utilization of reproductive health services.
Regarding the content, special attention needs to be given to protect inexperienced adolescents and youths from social media-related abuse. Adolescent and youths who use social media are more likely to be exposed to sexual activity compared to their counterparts that use other forms of media. Thus, sexual health messages and updates being delivered should be professionally guided and the messages should be communicated through humorous posts, links and clips.
Read more: Rapid Evidence Review – social media