Role of chatrooms in lives of homosexual individuals. Studies concerning the Internet community

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of Internet on homosexual individuals, especially in determining the role of chatrooms in coming-out and dating processes. Differences between men and women were also studied.
Materials and methods. The survey was carried out in Polish chatroom located at www.interia.pl. 215 respondents (120 woman and 95 man) took part in the survey. The survey was carried out in the Internet. It was located at a dedicated web page.
Results and conclusions. The chatrooms play significant and helpful role in coming-out process. Because of its anonymity it may help an individual with uncertain identity to meet homosexuals and though to verify the belief concerning ones sexual identity.
The interpersonal contacts introduced on Internet continue to last in the off-line world. The chatroom plays double-integrating role by introducing new people and also meeting them. It was shown, that there were differences in expectations concerning male and females using chatrooms, as it is in homosexual community in the off-line world.
It seems that Internet is becoming more and more significant source of knowledge about sex and human sexuality. It is also the place of contact. Therefore it is necessary to perform further studies in the field of Internet community.