What is Cybersex? Heterosexual Students’ Definitions

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined university students’ definitions of cybersex. Participants (N = 292) provided a written definition of the term “cybersex” and completed background, cybersex, and online sexual activity measures. Qualitative analysis of the written definitions revealed eight content categories and two broad conceptualizations in the data. Cybersex was consistently defined as an interactive activity. However, definitions also reflected substantial individual variability. Individuals who reported “cybersex experience” were more likely to report having engaged in partnered online sexual activities than in online sexual activities without a partner. The findings also point to the need for clear, consistent operational definitions of the term “cybersex.”