There has been a change in trends and people’s attitude towards hormonal contraception. Statistics state that there is increase in termination of pregnancies (ToP) from previous years. Anecdotal evidence suggests young people are accessing information on non-hormonal contraception via social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Trends in contraception
- Hormonal contraception has perceived side effects and risks
- Preference of natural methods (GREEN SEX)
- Social media bias in reporting natural methods and period apps
- Covid -19 had impact on Relationship Sexual Health and Parenthood Education
Change in people’s attitude
- Social media supports hormone hesitancy
- This may increase unintended pregnancy
- Women feel pressurised into using hormonal contraception
What does the data state;
Pfender et al.2024
Contents analysis of TikTok
Social media fuels hormone hesitancy and scaremongering is driven by claims of personal experience rather than scientific evidence
Social media promotion of non hormonal methods may increase unintended pregnancy.
Pfender & Devlin 2023
Content analysis of YouTube. False sexual health information presented to the young audience. Highlighted the encouragement of discontinuing of birth control medication and conveying inaccurate information on sexual health
