Adolescents’ Experiences of Online Sexual Solicitation

Abstract

Adolescents’ safety on the Internet is a prime concern in society. Sexual predators use the online environment regularly to solicit adolescents for sexual purposes; however, we know very little about the experiences of adolescents who become victimized in this way. This research used a thematic analysis to examine the experiences of adolescents who had been sexually solicited on the Internet. Eight participants, 18 – 25 years old, having experienced online sexual solicitation between the ages of 12 – 16, were recruited via advertising posters and announcements. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain rich descriptions of their experience. A thematic analysis using the structure defined by Braun and Clarke (2006) examined the transcripts of interviews to develop themes for understanding the psycho-sociological and decision-making processes adolescents engage in when encountering sexual solicitation online from young adults’ perspectives. Two major themes, Social Isolation and Exploring Sense of Self, along with five subthemes, Belonging, Personal Insecurities, Internal Conflict, Sexuality, and A Significant Experience developed from participants’ accounts. Implications and discussions of these themes are addressed.