Demarginalizing the sexual self

For anyone, the expression of one's particular sexuality can be difficult even within the framework of an intimate relationship. On the Internet, however, many barriers to such expression (e.g., fears of embarrassment, rejection) are absent and individuals may feel freer to express their sexual needs there. We propose a process model by which these embarrassing aspects of an individual's sexuality become demarginalized through identity-relevant sexual activity: Those barred from expressing important sexual needs in their offline relationships will be more likely to turn to the Internet to do so. Greater expression of the sexual-self online leads to increased importance of that identity and then to real-world consequences for oneself and one's relationships. We report two studies testing this model.