Prevalence and Outcomes of Online Sexual Activities Among Women and Men in Germany: A National Online Survey

Online sexual activities (OSA) are widespread and linked to both benefits and risks for sexual health. Experiences with OSA often differ by gender, potentially leading to distinct perceived outcomes. Understanding these differences is essential for tailoring education, prevention, and intervention strategies. However, current data on OSA use and their subjective outcomes among adults in Germany are limited. To address this gap, this study aimed to assess gender-specific prevalence, experiences, and perceived outcomes of OSA. A national online sample of 2832 adults in Germany (aged 18-65; 50% women, 50% men) reported in December 2022 on their 12-month prevalence of OSA overall, their engagement and subjective experiences with specific types of OSA, and the overall perception of positive and negative impact of OSA on their personal lives. A total of 62% of participants reported engaging in at least one type of OSA in the past 12 months, with sexual entertainment and sexual information being the most common types. Men were significantly more likely than women to engage in OSA overall and across most types, except for purchasing sex-related products. Subjective experiences with specific types of OSA were predominantly positive and largely similar between genders. Both men and women generally evaluated the impact of OSA on their personal lives as more positive than negative, with men reporting slightly higher perceived benefits. Results illustrate that OSA are common and generally experienced positively among men and women. Sexual health professionals need to address not only potential risks but also the personal benefits of OSA in their work.