More than 90 percent of teens in the U.S. have their own cell phones. Technology enables kids to connect with one another in different ways, providing both new connections and distractions. One major consequence of this shift in communication is a surge in “sexting.”
Sexting is defined as sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually suggestive photos or messages. Thanks to modern technology, young people can engage in and conceal sexting much more easily than ever before. According to recent research, nearly 15 percent of youth have sent sexually-explicit material, and more than 25 percent have received it.
A new systematic review conducted by Irish researchers looks at the body of research on sexting to better understand how this trend is influencing young people. The review includes data from 54 studies published between 2012 and 2021. It seeks to answer questions such as: Does sexting lead to dating relationship trauma or bullying? Are there benefits to sexting for young people?
The impact of sexting on young people
The researchers found the consequences of sexting are complex and dependent on individual situations.
Sexting is connected with trauma and violence. Youth who engage in sexting are three times more likely to experience emotional victimization and are also more likely to experience dating relationship violence.
It is also connected with bullying. One study found youth who have sent sexually suggestive photos and videos are five times more likely to experience cyberbullying. Other studies also found significant links between sexting and subsequent cyberbullying. But researchers did not find a connection between sexting and non-cyber bullying.
Sexting may also be connected to mental health. Youth who engage in sexting are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. There is some evidence that suggests these negative mental health consequences are connected to non-consensual sexting. Participants who sent explicit materials willingly and without pressure did not experience negative mental health consequences.
Whether sexting is consensual or not provides an important distinction in the research on sexting. Youth who received unsolicited sexts were more likely to feel depressed, sad, upset, or aggressive. Asking or pressuring someone to send a sext was associated with feelings of aggression. Another study found that some youth were shocked, offended, and harassed after receiving unsolicited sexual messages and ashamed of sending sexual content.
There is clear evidence that sexting is connected with early initiation of sexual activity at younger ages, having multiple partners, and engaging in risky sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex.
Sexting also affects young people’s reputation, according to the review. For boys, participating in sexting can damage their reputation among adults, but sending and receiving sexually explicit content can also bolster the reputation of males among their peers.
The researchers found that girls’ reputations are more likely to be negatively impacted by sexting, generating feelings of disdain from adults and their peers.
There can also be a positive component of sexting. In several studies, participants reported their reactions to sexting as “happy, surprised, amused.” They also described feeling attraction, mutual pleasure and respect, and trust in their relationship when engaging in consensual sexting.
“It’s perfectly normal for adolescents to explore their sexuality—and interest in nude or suggestive images is human and ancient,” said Karen Schantz of ACT for Youth. “We need to help young people understand that sexy photos may last longer than a flirtation or relationship—and can be shared in ways that might be harmful. And just as important, let’s get the message across that consent, connection, and respect are the starting points for all of the good things about sex.”
The take-home message: Sexting leads to a mixed bag of outcomes for young people. Although there are some benefits—such as young people building feelings of attraction, respect, and trust—there are also many negative outcomes associated with sexting. Given that sexting is probably here to stay, the researchers conclude that the best course of action is to teach young people how to make informed decisions in the ways they engage with sexually explicit materials.
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