Kids Share Nude Photos Online and On Cell Phones
Sex and Tech Survey on Teens, Young Adults, Sex, & Technology
Mar 31, 2009
Technology provides a wonderful network of information and communication for young and old alike; however, it also provides avenues for at-risk behavior for the tech-savvy youth. Concerns regarding technology’s influence on the young spurred CosmoGirl.com and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy to try to understand “the intersection between sex and cyberspace with respect to attitudes and behavior.”
The Sex and Tech Survey
The two organizations hired TRU, a firm that specializes in research on teens and young adults. TRU conducted the survey from September 25 to October 3, 2008. The survey details data about photos and videos electronically sent or posted, as well as text messages, instant messages, and e-mails. “Sexting” is the sending of nude or seminude photos or sexually-explicit messages by text on cell phones. To read the full survey, visit the Web site for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
Total number of respondents: 1,280 teens and young adults
- 653 teens, ages 13–19
- 627 young adults, ages 20–26
The Alarming Numbers
- 20% of teens have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos of themselves
- 33% of young adults have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos of themselves
- 39% of teens have sent or posted sexually suggestive text, e-mail, or IM messages
- 48 % of teens have received these types of messages
- 59% of young adults have sent or posted sexually suggestive text, e-mail, or IM messages
- 64% of young adults have received these types of messages
The exchanges are typically between boyfriend and girlfriend, although some are between people who want eventually to date or to hook up. Least common are exchanges between exclusively online contacts.
Teens Sexual Attitudes
About 75% of teens and young adults recognize that this is risky behavior, but this doesn’t stop them. Almost 50% realize that recipients often share the images and messages with others, but this doesn’t stop them either. These young people admit that they are more forward and aggressive in cyberspace than they are in person, and they are more likely to date or hook up after exchanging sexually explicit images and messages.
Why They Send and Post Sexual Material
The top reasons for teens and young adults sending/posting sexually suggestive material:
- To be” fun or flirtatious” (girls and boys)
- As a “sexy present” (girls)
- In response to having received the like (girls and boys)
Almost three times as many teen girls feel pressured by boys as vice versa (51% as compared to 18%). However, almost 25% of all teenagers feel pressured by friends. Teenage girls also see it as “a joke” (40%) and claim it makes them “feel sexy” (34%).
Alarmingly, an increasing number of young adults and teens are participating in some form of cybersexual activity. As the first of its kind, this survey sends out a message of caution. It advises teens and young adults to think before they press Send. Parents need to stay informed and involved. And they need to set clear expectations with their kids regarding appropriate behavior online and on cell phones.
 |
