Global sexual wellbeing brand Durex has launched an international campaign calling for the creation of the world’s first official safe sex emoji, ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December 2015.
Research conducted by Durex* reveals emojis play a vital role in young people’s conversation around sex, with 80% of 16- to 25-year-olds finding it easier to express themselves using emojis and over half of respondents regularly using emojis when discussing sex. Of the 16- to -25-year-olds taking part in the survey, 84% said they feel more comfortable talking about sex using emojis.
More worrying is the rise in apathy towards engaging in safer sexual practices, with over a third of respondents claiming not to care about safe sex. Further research showed nearly half think that HIV will never affect them or their friends**.
In light of this, Durex has launched a worldwide campaign to call for an official safe sex emoji to be created by the company behind emojis (Unicode). You can check out their #CondomEmoji campaign video below:
Durex feels that a condom emoji will enable young people to overcome embarrassment around the discussion of safe sex, encourage conversation and raise awareness of the importance of using condoms in protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and AIDS.
Durex is calling for people to use and share the hashtag #CondomEmoji in support of safe sex, and hopes social media users will let their voices be heard over November so the support can be captured as part of the official submission to Unicode on World AIDS Day.
‘Many young people have gained their sexual knowledge through their own sexual activity and searching the internet,’ explains Dr Mark McCormack, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Co-Director, Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities at Durham University. ‘While participants generally felt able to discuss safe sex within their romantic relationships, there was more uncertainty with new or potential partners. 80% welcomed the idea of the emoji to make the discussion of safe sex easier and more fun.’ ***
Volker Sydow, Global Director Durex says: ‘Durex believes in happier, healthier sex lives and World AIDS Day is a hugely significant reminder about the importance of safe sex. Looking at how influential messaging is in the development of relationships today, an official safe sex emoji is a simple and empowering step towards better protection and sexual wellbeing.’
You can find out more about World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS at the World Aids Day website.
* Source: 3GEM research on behalf of Durex – UK, October 2015
** Source: Someone Like Me, VIMN & Brand Solutions Insight with Tapestry Research, 2014
*** Source: Young People’s Attitudes Toward and Discussion of Safe Sex and Condom Use, 2015. Author: Dr. Mark McCormack, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Co-Director, Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities at Durham University