Online Sexual Victimization and Pornography Consumption Among College Students

Online sexual victimization, closely linked to pornography consumption, is a significant problem among young people. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of online sexual victimization and patterns of pornography consumption among college students, as well as the variables that predict such victimization. The sample comprised 540 college students aged 17 to 25. Descriptive, correlational, and predictive analyses were conducted. Results showed a 69.1% prevalence of online sexual victimization, with females reporting a greater number of experiences, and a 71.5% prevalence of pornography consumption, which was higher among male students (97.5%) than female students (60.3%). Being female (IRR = 4.15), being older (IRR = 1.14), engaging in sexting (IRR = 1.14), frequently consuming pornography (IRR = 1.14), and exhibiting higher levels of attitudes toward aggressive behaviors in dating situations (IRR = 1.01) and of benevolent sexism (IRR = 1.01) predicted a higher number of experiences of online sexual victimization. Conversely, perceived family support (IRR = 0.97) emerges as a protective factor. The overall model showed a Nagelkerke R2 of 0.2587. The study highlights the importance of addressing the multiple digital risks faced by college students from a gender perspective, training them to intervene in these issues, and extending this knowledge across all age groups, including children and adolescents.