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Sexual Repression, Cultural Taboos, and Vulnerability to Online Sextortion: A Qualitative Exploration of Chinese University Students’ Experiences with Nude Chat Scams
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DOI：10.1007/s13178-026-01381-y.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Sextortion via nude chat has become a significant form of technology-facilitated sexual violence disproportionately affecting Chinese university students. While most research focuses on perpetrator tactics and legal responses, victim-centred psychological mechanisms in repressive cultural contexts remain underexplored. This study examines how structural sexual repression and taboos may shape vulnerability to online sextortion. A qualitative interpretive approach was used. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 Chinese university students (aged 18–25; 18 males, 6 females) who experienced nude chat sextortion. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling from anonymous online platforms and campus counselling centres. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), with ethical safeguards including IRB approval, informed consent, and trauma-informed support. Four themes emerged: (1) invisible sexual repression in family, school, and societal norms; (2) the illusion of online safety as a response to repression; (3) power imbalance and amplified shame during victimization; and (4) post-victimization self-blame, withdrawal, and mixed outcomes. Urban-rural and gender variations were evident. Most incidents occurred during participants’ first or second university year. The findings suggest that cultural silence around sexuality can redirect curiosity to risky digital spaces, where anonymity fosters false security and shame intensifies threats. The study extends Routine Activity Theory by highlighting culturally embedded psychological vulnerability and guardianship limitations in shame-sensitive contexts. Results highlight the need for shame-reducing sex-positive education, integrated digital risk awareness in curricula, trauma-informed anti-fraud campaigns that normalise help-seeking, and anonymous culturally sensitive support systems in China and similar societies.
Keywords:
Sexual repression
Sextortion
Nude chat fraud
Online sexual exploration
Chinese university students
Cyber victimization
Routine Activity Theory
Qualitative research
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