Information and communication technologies (ICT) have changed the way we communicate, relate, and share information. And among these new habits are practices such as the so-called “sexting”.
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However, overconfidence and lack of technological education cause people to overlook or underestimate the risks associated with this practice.
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The term ‘sexting’ is the result of combining the English words sex and texting, and in practice is based on sending messages, images, and videos of sexual content through ICT.
Through this practice, the goal is to arouse sexual interest in another person or substitute physical interpersonal relationships when they cannot be carried out. Some even consider this type of communication as a sexual practice more.
THE KEYS
• Sexting is not limited to a specific group, as people of all ages can engage in it.
• Adolescents are influenced by various factors when engaging in sexting: Curiosity, the desire to explore sexuality, the search for acceptance, peer pressure, or a lack of ability to discern are some of the most common ones.
• Therefore, it is important to know that sexting involves a series of risks, especially because when you send an image or a video through your phone or computer, you lose control of those files.
RISKS
According to experts, some of the main dangers of sexting are:
• Unauthorized dissemination of content. A person who receives texts, images, and videos may disseminate and share them with third parties without the consent of the message sender. This could have a very negative impact on health, for example, causing psychological disorders or damage to self-esteem, privacy, and reputation.
• Difficulties in future relationships. One of the risks of sharing this type of content is the impact on relationships. Distrust and lack of privacy affect the ability to establish healthy emotional connections in the future.
• Loss of content control. Sexual texts, images, and videos could fall into the wrong hands if a device without appropriate security measures is lost.
• Identity theft. Related to the previous point, shared intimate material can be used for identity theft. Cybercriminals use it fraudulently to compromise the personal and financial security of victims.
• Cyberbullying, grooming, and sextortion. Sexting can lead to cyberbullying, grooming (online sexual abuse), and cases of sextortion (online sexual extortion).
• Revenge porn. Sexting can also lead to what is known as revenge porn. In this case, ex-partners distribute images or videos out of spite or revenge.
• Legal consequences of sexting. Finally, involving minors in sexting has legal consequences. It is important to remember that the law punishes the possession, distribution, or creation of sexual material involving minors.
PREVENTION
When it comes to preventing sexting, it is important to consider these tips to avoid negative consequences:
• Digital education. The key to preventing sexting starts with a strong digital education to understand the importance of protecting privacy online, knowing the associated risks, and understanding the legal implications.
• Open communication. It is essential to maintain an environment of open communication at home and in educational centers. Proper sexual education and constant dialogue help to both prevent risks and detect them.
• Conscious use of electronic devices. Whether it’s through parents or educators, or by one’s own will, time limits must be established for using electronic devices.
• Privacy settings. It is important to learn how to configure privacy settings on social networks and messaging apps. It is also essential to make sure that the apps being used allow for deleting shared content.
• Common sense and critical thinking online. As with other content, it is crucial to use common sense and think twice before sharing texts, images, or videos of a sexual nature.
• Do not give in to pressure. Other people may encourage an individual to sext irresponsibly. In these cases, one must learn to say ‘no’. One should not participate in activities that cause discomfort or are risky.
Sources: SeguriLatam, E-TIC, and Psicología Blu.