'Sext' Me

Written by Dana Shaffer, SBI Health Education Intern


What’s with teenagers and the outbreak of ‘sexting?’ ‘Sexting’ has become a growing trend amongst teens in the United States. Teenagers, these days, are more technologically advanced than ever before; their lives are hi-tech and digital. Their technological expertise intensifies their desire to entice and arouse their partner via technology. Vocabulary of this new generation, of teenagers, is provocative and sexually enticing.

‘Sexting’ is the act of text messaging with hopes of having a sexual encounter or multiple encounters, later on, with the receiver who is usually a boyfriend or girlfriend of the sender. ‘Sexting’ could also be a way to flirt or want to “hook up” with someone sincerely or in a more joking manner. Initially, it may come off as a casual and flirtatious gesture but as the fire ignites, between both parties, it may seem more and more sexually explicit and suggestive. Teenagers, who actively engage in ‘sexting’ seem to take provocative pictures of themselves and/or videos usually nude or performing sexual acts.

Popular culture and the social media contribute to the sexuality of our teenagers. “Teens have long associated sexuality with greater independence, personal control and a path to adulthood.” (www.theyoungandthedigital.com) Teenagers are experimenting with their sexuality; they long to overcome and explore their sexual curiosities. Mobile media and social networks, which are at their fingertips literally, are the biggest sources of exploration.

Teenagers use mobile media and social networks to express themselves because it is a form of private communication between two parties… unless of course one party decides to breach such privacy. This is a huge issue! According to research, 1/3 of teenage boys and ¼ of teenage girls say they’ve seen nude and/or semi-nude images, which were originally meant to be private. Such findings pose an enormous concern.

While the digital world is an incredible and beneficial aspect of society, we need to find a way to protect our teenagers and future generations from being exposed and humiliated. In my own opinion, teenagers and active participants in ‘sexting’ need to be aware of the consequences before they hit SEND. They also need to realize that technology amplifies the interconnectedness of people and society on a much broader spectrum; when you expose yourself, via technology, you are putting yourself on display for all eyes to see.