Review article

https://doi.org/10.15291/ai.3609

Characteristic of Sexting Among Young People

Katarina Šimić ; Faculty of Science and Education, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Hercegovina

Abstract

This paper offers an overview of the nature of sexting among young people with a clear description of the definition, prevalence, motives and consequences of participation in sexting. A review of the literature shows that sexting is most often defined as sending, receiving and exchanging sexually explicit content (text messages, photos or videos). In recent years, sexting has become an increasingly popular way of communication among young people. The motives for engaging in sexting are most often flirtation, desire for intimacy and excitement, attracting attention, persuasion to sexting by a partner, desire to initiate sexual activity, but also boredom. The consequences of sexting are usually reflected in low self-esteem, increased stress, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicide risks. In the literature, we most often encounter negative outcomes of sexting (anxiety, depression, excessive alcohol use), while the positive outcomes of sexting (normative sexual behavior, relationship satisfaction, arousal, happiness, flirtation) are not sufficiently emphasized. The paper will provide an overview of internationally relevant and recent research on sexting, the prevalence of sexting, the motives for participating in sexting and the consequences of sexting.

Keywords

youth; motives; consequences; prevalence; sexting

Hrčak ID:

272699

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/272699

Publication date:

17.1.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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