Adolescents and self-taken sexual images: A review of the literature

Abstract

Despite increasing public interest and concern about young people's involvement in the self-production of sexual images (or 'sexting'), there remains a dearth of research into their reasons for making and sending images, the processes involved, and the consequences arising from their experiences. This article reviews the motivational, lifestyle and personality factors influencing adolescent sexting practices and explores the research evidence within the wider context of debates around contemporary social and visual media cultures and gender. A systematic search of databases was conducted and eighty-eight records were identified for inclusion in the review. The findings reveal that sexting is remarkably varied in terms of context, meaning and intention, with the potential for consensual and non-consensual aspects of the activity. Whilst sexting can be a means of flirting or enhancing a sexual relationship, it can highlight potential vulnerabilities to victimisation or to participation in risky sexual practices. Sexting is also inextricably linked to social expectations of gendered sexual behaviours, with females often deriving less satisfaction from their experiences and being perceived more negatively by their peers. Further research linking adolescent motivations, well-being, relationships and lifestyles with the broader socio-cultural and media landscape will ultimately help drive understanding about the subject forward.

Sexting and Sexual Behavior, 2011-2015: A Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of a Growing Literature

“…Like others who have reviewed the sexting literature (e.g., Cooper et al, 2016;Klettke et al, 2014), we noted inconsistencies in how sexting is measured across studies. Most (85.7%) of the articles we examined included questions regarding sending sexts; only half asked about receiving sexts.…”

“…As Ringrose and colleagues () noted, “It is difficult to know if ‘sexting’ is under‐reported because of social desirability factors (e.g. embarrassment on the part of respondents) or over‐reported because of response biases (those who do it may be more likely to respond to surveys).” The lack of a consensus definition or standardized measure of sexting only further complicates matters (Cooper et al, ).…”

“…The competing frame positions sexting as a normal, even healthy aspect of sexual expression and relationships (Doring, 2014). Evidence in support of this normalcy perspective is growing (Cooper, Quayle, Jonsson, & Svedin, 2016), but far more sexting studies focus on its potential negative consequences and links to problematic behaviors. In fact, Doring (2014), in a review of 50 academic papers on sexting, noted that 66% of the articles framed sexting as a risky, unhealthy behavior.…”

“…embarrassment on the part of respondents) or over-reported because of response biases (those who do it may be more likely to respond to surveys)." The lack of a consensus definition or standardized measure of sexting only further complicates matters (Cooper et al, 2016).…”

Motivos para el consumo de cibersexo y su relación con el grado de severidad

“…Así, ciertas prácticas sexuales online como el sexting se consideran problemáticas independientemente de que se realicen esporádicamente o con frecuencia (Cooper, Quayle, Jonsson, & Svedin 2016). Por otro lado, prácticas sexuales online mayoritarias (como el uso de pornografía) pueden sobrevenir un problema cuando se realizan de forma abusiva; así, uno de los principales riesgos documentados del sexo en Internet es precisamente la posibilidad de desarrollar un cuadro clínico de adicción al cibersexo.…”