Sexy adventures: An ethnography of youth, sexuality and social media

Abstract

Sexting, sexy selfies, dating, porn: social media have opened up new ways for young people to explore sexuality. Little is known however about how young people use these opportunities. In her doctoral thesis, Naezer offers a framework that allows us to understand young people’s digitally mediated sexy adventures. She explores how young people’s social media practices shape and transform four dimensions of sexuality: adventure, romantic intimacy, identity and knowledge building. Based on online and offline observations, conversations and interviews with young people, Naezer refutes present day stereotypes and offers a counterbalance to the anxieties that dominate popular and scientific debates about youth, sexuality and social media. The thesis, which revolves around young people’s own voices, paints a colourful picture of young people’s navigations of the chances and challenges offered by social media.