Seeking peer advice on sexual health and intimate concerns through Facebook “confessions”

Abstract

Young people often need peer advice on personal concerns regarding sexuality, sexual health, and intimate relationships which may be uncomfortable or embarrassing to articulate face-to-face. Posting de-identified messages through Facebook “confessions” page appears to afford a balance between the desire for peer opinion and validation regarding intimate concerns and the fear of social repercussions (losing face, stigmatized, etc.) stemming from not knowing if those concerns are “normal.”