Global leading 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.
As research reveals emojis play a vital role in young people’s conversation around sex with 80% of 18-25 year olds finding it easier to express themselves using emojis and over half of respondents regularly using emojis when discussing sex. 84% of 18-25 year olds said the 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 claiming not to care about safe sex.
Durex is calling for people to use and share the hashtag #CondomEmoji in support of safe sex. Durex hopes 1 million 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, 1 December 2015.
“Many young people have gained their sexual knowledge through their own sexual activity and searching the internet,” explains McCormack. “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.” adds Dr. Mark McCormack, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Co-Director, Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities at Durham University***
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.”
