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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Published on: May 31, 2021

Sexting in Young Adults: A Normative Sexual Behavior.

Evelyn Thorne¹, Kelly M Babchishin², Rebecca Fisico³

¹John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

|December 11, 2023

Summary

Sexting is a common sexual behavior among young adults, with most participants engaging in it frequently and starting at a young age. Sexual education should focus on consent and safe practices, not abstinence.

Keywords:

Pornography Sex education Sexting Sexual materials Sexual orientation

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Last Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

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Published on: May 31, 2021

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Published on: January 27, 2019

Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice

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Published on: March 5, 2020

Area of Science:

Psychology
Sociology
Public Health

Background:

Technological advancements have increased the prevalence of sexting among young adults.
Previous research indicates varying rates and motivations for sexting across different demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the rates, characteristics, and motivations of sexting in a large online sample of young adults.
To investigate gender and sexual orientation differences in sexting behaviors and experiences.
To inform sexual education strategies regarding sexting.

Main Methods:

Online survey administered to 2,828 young adults aged 18-30, primarily from the U.S. and Canada.
Data collected on sexting frequency, age of initiation, motivations, content shared, and experiences of coercion.
Statistical analysis to identify patterns and differences based on gender and sexual orientation.

Main Results:

81% of participants reported sexting, often frequently (≥11 sexts) and starting by ages 16-17.
Common motivations included sexual arousal, reciprocation, and flirting.
Sexual coercion was reported by 10% of cisgender women and 2% of cisgender men.
Content varied by gender, with cisgender women focusing on specific body parts and cisgender men showing more diversity.
Sexual orientation influenced sexting patterns.

Conclusions:

Sexting is a normative sexual behavior among young adults.
Sexual education should incorporate comprehensive information on consent and safe sexting practices.
Addressing sexting through education, rather than abstinence-only approaches, is recommended.