Understanding Sexting: Definitions, Statistics, and Insights

So you want to talk about sexting? Cool! Me too. 😏🔥

How common is it? Who is doing it? Who isn’t doing it? Who is doing it more? What are they saying? How are they saying it? These are all questions that require a definition of “sexting” in order to dive into deeper content.

So what actually IS sexting? I combined several definitions from research. Sexting is best summarized as: sending or receiving sexually explicit photos, videos or text messages through a digital device; the sharing of self-made content.

As an overview statistic, of 870 participants ages 18-82, one study found that....
75% sext in committed relationships
43% sext in casual relationships
88% at least tried sexting

Wow, that’s impressive! Most people have at least tried their hands at sexting.

And on that note, 52.3% of one sample experienced unwanted but consensual sexting. AKA being persuaded by a dick 🍆pic (if that’s a thing), pressured some booty 🍑, or maybe just some feelings of missing out—most often to meet a partner’s needs and desires, avoid an argument, etc.

The data within these slides came from a variety of sources, all referenced in the lower left corner. This is an overview rather than an absolute. It’s a starting point. It’s also a place to acknowledge what and who is missing in research. If you’re interested in learning more about sexting, PLEASE follow and review the work of @whatsmybodydoing !!

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Overcoming Sexting Barriers: Addressing Common Fears and Challenges

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Setting Boundaries for Discussions on Sexting and Sexuality