A content analysis of a “boy love” support forum: Revisiting Durkin and Bryant

Abstract

In 1999, Durkin and Bryant analysed an online “boy love” support forum and categorized justifications given by self-identified paedophiles for their sexual interest in children. The present study replicates this to identify how this forum is currently being used, given the changes in technology over the intervening years. It remains unclear whether or not interacting online influences the commission of offline sexual offences; however, receiving support from like-minded individuals is thought to promote pro-offending beliefs in socially isolated individuals. The results of this study offer an insight into the types of justifications used to account for a paedophilic sexual orientation and help to demonstrate how this forum functions to fulfil the needs of the “boy lovers” who make up the membership of this internet site. The study highlights changes over the last nine years, but provides support for increased use of such a forum, in spite of it being “old technology”.

Keywords:

• Internet
• paedophilia
• community
• “boy-love”
• justifications
• excuses