Internet Addiction and Polish Women’s Sexual Functioning: The Role of Social Media, Online Pornography and Game Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Online Surveys Based on FSFI and BSMAS Questionnaires

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relationship between social media use and women’s sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected between April and November 2021. Online surveys including the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) questionnaires were distributed to young, sexually active women. Information was collected on their demographics, sexual life, and use of social media. We enrolled 546 women (mean age 23.07 ± 4.69). In general, 5.68% of the women were at high risk of social media addiction. Social media addiction had a negative impact on FSFI scores, while pornography use had a positive effect on women’s sexual functioning. Users of dating apps also obtained lower FSFI scores than non-users. No differences in FSFI scores were observed between gamers and non-gamers. The impact of time spent on social media on FSFI scores was not significant. We conclude that social media addiction negatively affected women’s sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.