THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: BETWEEN MEDICAL TREATMENT AND ONLINE MISINFORMATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6571Keywords:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Male Sexual Health, Media, Misinformation, DisinformationAbstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual health problem that affects not only physical functioning but also psychological well-being, intimate relationships, and quality of life. It is associated with lower self-esteem, self-confidence, and sexual satisfaction, as well as increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. Fear of sexual failure may contribute to a cycle in which anxiety increases the risk of further unsuccessful sexual experiences. ED can also negatively affect intimate relationships, highlighting the importance of a biopsychosocial approach that combines medical and psychological treatment.
The digital health information environment presents an additional challenge. Although the Internet and social media provide easy access to health information and opportunities to share experiences, they also facilitate the spread of misinformation. Research on platforms such as Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram has identified low-quality content and the promotion of treatments unsupported by clinical guidelines. “Natural” remedies for sexual performance may be particularly risky because they can contain undeclared pharmacological substances. Exposure to misleading information may increase unrealistic expectations, anxiety, and shame, while encouraging self-diagnosis, self-treatment, and delays in seeking professional medical advice.
Further research is needed to examine how online misinformation affects the psychological functioning of men with ED. Important areas include recommendation algorithms, differences between platforms, and health literacy. Solutions should focus on improving digital health literacy, increasing healthcare professionals’ presence on social media, and promoting evidence-based diagnosis and treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kamila Zmysłowska, Adam Hajdaniak, Anna Szatkowska, Malwina Kwaśniewska, Jan Mateusz Kiersztyn, Aleksandra Grabowska, Natalia Seńcio, Klaudia Aleksandra Stadnik
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