The Truth Behind Sexting
According to a study done by the American Psychology Association, 80 percent of participants had sexted this past year. That is a huge number!
I’m not sure if I was supposed to be surprised by it, but it definitely took me off guard. If this was a study just on teens and 20-somethings I would totally get it, but this study surveyed 870 participants whose ages ranged from 18-82 to assess sexting behaviors, sexting motives, relationship and sexual satisfaction. Just over half were women. That means eight out of every 10 people were guilty of sending a dirty picture or exchanging sexy words.
The researchers found that 88 percent of participants reported ever having sexted and 82 percent reported they had sexted in the past year. Nearly 75 percent said they sexted in the context of a committed relationship and 43 percent said they sexted as part of a casual relationship.
Additionally, the researchers found that greater levels of sexting were associated with greater sexual satisfaction, especially for those in a relationship. Participants who identified as single (26 percent) had significantly lower overall scores for sexual satisfaction. The researchers also found that greater levels of sexting were associated with relationship satisfaction for all but those who identified their relationship as “very committed.”
The survey also asked about attitudes toward sexting and found that people who sexted more saw the behavior as more fun and carefree and had higher beliefs that sexting was expected in their relationships. With the rise of new technology came a new way to, well, get a rise. If you think about it, sexting is the real OG of this new era of sex on the go.
First, I guess I’m just surprised by that huge age range. I like to think grandparents would stop after a while, but I guess they too need to keep it hot and lively some how. But secondly, I’m surprised that the number is so high since much newer technology has come out in recent years. Texting is just the begining of it. If we assume 80 percent of all people sext at least once a year, I wonder what else our sexually driven population is up to.
Here are a few outlets that have stemmed from the original sext that I think are already popular enough to catch up to the high number of sexters.
Skype scandal
So let’s say you’re in a long distance relationship or your loved one is off on a trip. How in the world are you supposed to get off? It’s easy, just scandal Skype. Wear something sexy, or nothing at all, and surprise your significant other with an exciting video call that will make them wish they were home.
Snap whores
So Snapchat photos delete once opened. Enough said. If you’re feeling extra bad, randomly surprise your significant other with a surprise sexy snap. And if they try to screenshot it, you will be notified.
Tinder thoughts
Tinder is the best way to hook up. All you do is swipe right or left to who is hot and not and you’re done. Soon enough, you’ll have plenty of potential suitor. Don’t be surprised when they ask for your number, and you wake up to a lovely “dick pic.”
While technology continues to get more and more advanced, people will always make time to explore a new outlet to get their sexual fix. My only advice is to feel free to be adventurous and have fun. Just make sure, like all things in life, to be safe and selective about who you trust. You don’t want to risk letting your literal privates fall into the wrong hands. And please, for the love of everything good in the world, make sure you know the age of the person receiving your goods. No one likes a sketchy scandal, so act your age and sext YOUR age.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.