Mobiilseks

Mobiilseks is a neologism used in Estonian-language public health and digital culture discourse to describe the mobile-enabled ecosystem of sexual health information, services, and education. The term blends mobiil (mobile) and seks (sex) and is used to refer to platforms that deliver confidential information and services via mobile devices.

Scope and features: mobile apps offering contraception information, STI testing guidance, appointment booking, telehealth consultations, anonymous chat services, and interactive educational modules; push notifications and SMS reminders; location-aware services directing users to nearby clinics; privacy-preserving designs such as encryption and minimal data collection.

History and adoption: with the rise of smartphones and data networks in the 2010s, public health agencies and NGOs began piloting mobile health approaches. Mobiilseks initiatives have been implemented in Estonia and nearby regions, often as part of broader strategies to improve sexual health literacy and access to care, particularly for youth and marginalized groups.

Impact and reception: supporters argue increased access, privacy, and convenience; critics highlight data privacy risks, digital divide, and potential gaps in non-digital settings; evidence on outcomes remains mixed and context-dependent.

See also: mHealth, e-health, sexual health education.