Adolescents’ Use of Social Media for Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocacy

Jessica Fitts Willoughby; Jessica Gall Myrick; Leticia Couto; Stacey J.T. Hust; Rebecca Ortiz

doi:10.4324/9781032648880-23

Adolescents’ Use of Social Media for Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocacy

Jessica Fitts Willoughby, Jessica Gall Myrick, Leticia Couto, Stacey J.T. Hust, Rebecca Ortiz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

Social media can play a role in adolescent identity development, and teens are frequent users of social media. The authors conducted a survey with 18- to 20-year-olds (N = 963) from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Teens were using social media to advocate for topics related to sexual and reproductive health, including contraceptive access, STI testing and prevention, access to menstrual products, and abortion. Across all topic areas, teens frequently reported liking content and following content creators. Approximately one in four teens posted their own opinions on the topics. Sharing their opinions and using a hashtag relevant to the topic were associated with increased likelihood of attending a rally or demonstration. Findings highlight that teens are using social media to advocate for sexual and reproductive health causes in various ways.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Teens, Sex, and Media Effects
Subtitle of host publication	Understanding Media's Influence on Adolescent Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Advocacy
Publisher	Taylor and Francis
Pages	199-210
Number of pages	12
ISBN (Electronic)	9781040266557
ISBN (Print)	9781032648880
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032648880-23
State	Published - Jan 1 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

General Social Sciences
General Arts and Humanities
General Psychology
General Medicine

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10.4324/9781032648880-23

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abstract = "Social media can play a role in adolescent identity development, and teens are frequent users of social media. The authors conducted a survey with 18- to 20-year-olds (N = 963) from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Teens were using social media to advocate for topics related to sexual and reproductive health, including contraceptive access, STI testing and prevention, access to menstrual products, and abortion. Across all topic areas, teens frequently reported liking content and following content creators. Approximately one in four teens posted their own opinions on the topics. Sharing their opinions and using a hashtag relevant to the topic were associated with increased likelihood of attending a rally or demonstration. Findings highlight that teens are using social media to advocate for sexual and reproductive health causes in various ways.",

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Adolescents’ Use of Social Media for Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocacy. / Willoughby, Jessica Fitts; Myrick, Jessica Gall; Couto, Leticia et al.
Teens, Sex, and Media Effects: Understanding Media's Influence on Adolescent Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Advocacy. Taylor and Francis, 2024. p. 199-210.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

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AU - Ortiz, Rebecca

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Adolescents’ Use of Social Media for Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocacy

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

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