A third of surveyed Australians say the internet is good for their sex lives

Discussions about online sex often make it sound like the “dark side” of the internet. We hear so much about risks and dangers such as “revenge porn”, dating scams, porn addiction and early exposure to sex. But this isn’t the whole story. Our new study looks at how Australians use technology in their sex lives and the many benefits of this. Our findings add to the growing body of research that shows how the internet and digital technologies can benefit relationships and sex lives. These are places where people explore their sexuality, learn about sex, and engage with diverse communities. It can also be a space to facilitate conversations about consent, safety and sexual health. Managing digital risk should not be about sanitising the internet but supporting people’s choices.