More Common Than You Think

[Gerald]

During the past week, I suspect that men and women all over America were texting their paramours: “You did delete those messages, right?” There’s nothing like a scandal to spur reflection about our own missteps, and if sexting is a misstep, Americans have certainly been misstepping.

My recent research with 745 U.S. college students (aged 18 to 25), suggests that sexting is a popular means of sexual communication within both committed romantic relationships and casual sexual relationships.

With committed romantic partners, 80 percent had sent or received sexually explicit text messages, and 60 percent had sent or received sexually explicit pictures or videos. With casual sexual partners, flings or hookups not boyfriends or girlfriends, 70 percent had sent or received sexually explicit text messages, and 51percent had sent or received sexually explicit pictures or videos.

Although men and women sexted with equal frequency, sexting appeared to be particularly appealing to certain types of individuals — those who were dependent on text messaging to navigate their social relationships, and those who were insecure with or emotionally distant from their romantic partners.

For those who communicated often through text messages, sexting was likely a convenient way to engage in sexual interactions. For those who had insecure attachments, sexting may have helped to fulfill relationship needs and demands. This may be especially true for emotionally distant men, who were less likely to call, text or engage in face-to-face sexual conversations with a partner.

"Sexual overtures via text messages reflect our reliance on electronic media, not a rise in porn consumption."

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate...than-you-think

Note: June 9, 2011