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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.
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.
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