Changes in Online Sexual Activities During the Lockdown Caused by COVID-19 in Spain: “INSIDE” Project

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The lockdown, as a measure to stop the spread of COVID-19, has had an impact on different areas of our life, including sexuality. This study aims to analyze its impact on online sexual activities (OSAs) in people who lived in Spain during confinement. Methods This study involved 1448 people aged 18–60 years who were assessed through an online survey during confinement in Spain (April, 2020). The design of this study was a cross-sectional design, in which information on OSA before confinement and OSA, physical and social environment, and other variables related to gender and negative mood during confinement were collected at a single point in time. Results Our results show that both men and women, regardless of their sexual orientation, have experienced an increase in time and frequency invested in OSAs. In addition, individuals have also innovated their OSAs, for example, contacting sex workers. Factors such as high sexual desire, being a man, and consuming pornography were positively related to the frequency of ASOs during confinement, while high sexual desire and sexting were related to the time spent on ASOs during confinement. Conclusions The COVID-19 lockdown has had an impact on online sexuality. Both men and women have experienced an increase in their online sexual activity during confinement. In addition, some factors related to the increase in the time and frequency of OSAs are identified. Policy Implications Identifying how these changes have been during this very restrictive period and what factors related to the increase in OSAs can help us prevent possible consequences in similar scenarios.