LAUSR

Summary The Social Media and online communities have become important communication channels for youth and the massive use of these technologies by new generations gave rise to an international debate regarding the potential effects on relationships and sexuality. The aim of this paper is to study advantages and limits of Social Media, as formal and informal source of information on sexuality, focusing on their impact on youth and professionals involved in sexual education programs. A review of scientific literature from January 2006 to May 2017 was performed. Despite adolescents are very interested about sexual health, the lack of clear and scientific-based online sex education information may lead to the spread of confusion and anxiety on sexuality. For this reason and because of Social Media growing diffusion, health organizations recommend the use of technology by Health Care Professionals, even if data shows their attitude to use it in private, but not in a professional context. Most of the online sexual education interventions are focused on adolescents’ risk behavior prevention instead of sexual well-being promotion. Considering the usefulness of Social Media in sexual education, a technological tool planned by the Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome to be used during sexual education sessions is presented. A critical approach development should be provided in the future in order to promote a safer use of Social Media in sexual education interventions, where emotions and feelings, and not only the increase of information, are deepened by young people together with professionals.