RESUMO
The Internet, in contrast to in-person interactions with health providers, allows anonymous and nonpunitive ease of access. Adolescents have long sought honest, direct answers to important but embarrassing questions about health; emerging technologies provide a venue to obtain relevant information without geographic, time, financial, and personal barriers. This article is a case study of TeenHealthFX.com. Those interested in how youth access online health information can learn of the positive and negative aspects of delivering messages through the Internet. This article discusses the process involved in creating and maintaining TeenHealthFX and the challenges of providing online health information to adolescents via new technology.
Assuntos
Educação em Saúde/métodos , Internet , Adolescente , Comunicação , Instrução por Computador , Humanos , Internet/economia , Internet/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
The Internet has become a widely used resource for sexual health information, especially among adolescents. The appeal lies in the ease and anonymity with which online seekers can obtain advice and reassurance, particularly regarding sensitive topics. This article reviews the positive and negative influences of the Internet on this age group. Specific aspects of how this medium affects adolescents as well as how it can be used to assist them are discussed.
