ABSTRACT
Th e use of computers and the Internet in HIV prevention interventions has a number of important strengths. For example, such technologies are available on demand, provide a cost-eff ective means to segment a large number of users, allow for individually tailored messages, can be regularly updated, and provide researchers and practitioners with a high level of control over implementation and monitoring. In spite of these advantages, research regarding the eff ectiveness of such interventions is still limited, particularly in the area of pregnancy, STD, and HIV prevention. Th e balance of this
chapter provides a brief overview of one such intervention. Th e target audience was adolescents in rural Kentucky, though we believe the information presented here is generalizable to other adolescents as well. Th e goal of this project was to determine how technology might help change, shape, and reinforce a number of theoretically important variables that should ultimately lead to a delay in the initiation of sexual activity and to increased condom use among those who are sexually active.
