The Technological Aspects of Sexting

Sexting is an increasingly common form of sexual expression. But how is it affecting us? And how is sexting changing as modern technology evolves? In this post, we’re going to explore the science of sexting. We’ll begin with an overview of current literature, followed by an interview with a sexting expert, Dr. Katy Coduto, author of the book Technology, Privacy, and Sexting: Mediated Sex.

What Do We Know About Sexting?

Sexting can be understood as a form of “sextech,” which involves the use of technology to access sexual content and/or to experience sexual pleasure. Modern sextech encompasses not only sexting, but also online pornography, camming sites, and teledildonic accessories (i.e., high-tech sex toys).[1]

To date, much of the research on sexting has focused on the potential harms. This research has highlighted how sending sexually explicit texts, photos, and/or videos to someone else is a concern for adolescents in particular. For example, younger women may feel pressured to engage in sexting practices, who may see sexting as an obligation to a romantic partner. A particular concern here is also whether sexually explicit messages could be used for later revenge or blackmail in the event that the relationship ends.[2]

At the same time, research also finds that sexting has a positive side and is linked to a number of benefits. For example, individuals who sext may feel more confident, sexting can be used to improve and maintain a romantic relationship, and of course, sexting may be a way to increase sexual pleasure.[3] It’s important to acknowledge that while there are absolutely downsides that can occur when individuals violate others’ privacy, such as the distribution of explicit images without permission, sexting often serves as a tool to strengthen intimate relationships.[4]

The Role of Technology During Sexting

As technology evolves, this changes how people actually send explicit texts to one another. In the second chapter of Dr. Coduto’s book, we learn about how features and affordances are important in individuals’ sexting decisions. Here, we understand features as elements of technology, such as the ability to type, send emojis, or have an image disappear after the user opens it, while affordances represent a relationship between individuals and technology itself.[5] 

Four affordances in this chapter that are particularly important when it comes to sexting are editability (can a message be rewritten or edited otherwise), privacy (who can see and save others’ communication), accessibility (how easy it is to use the technology), and social presence (how much does it feel like the other person you’re communicating with is actually with you). Individuals decide what communication technology to use for sexting based on how important they perceive different affordances. For example, someone who values privacy might use Snapchat to send explicit images, while someone who thinks accessibility is really important might choose to just text them to someone else instead.[6]

Sexting: An Expert’s Perspective

Now, let’s hear from Dr. Coduto about some of the key things she has found in studying sexting. 

Q: Given that there are lots of ideas about what sexting is, how do you define sexting? What behaviors does it include (or not)?

A: I define sexting broadly—the simplest definition being the sharing of sexually explicit communication with a partner. I try to keep the definition broad because I’m interested in text-based sexting as well as image-based and video-based. There are (good!) arguments for having a narrower definition, but in my work, I’m interested in the channels that people choose when sexting. Because so many channels afford different communication features, I try to include as many behaviors as possible. I’ve also noticed that this can vary for the same person depending on when they sext; couples who sext during the day, for instance, might use channels that more stealthily blend in on a computer (I’ve had a shocking number of participants report using Facebook Messenger in this way!). That same couple might prefer texting or FaceTime in the evening in the privacy of their home.  

Q: What are some things you noticed when it came to age differences and sexting? 

A: One of the biggest differences I noticed is in the channel choices people make—including the channels that they’ll even consider. Perhaps not surprisingly, Snapchat is popular among Gen Z (and some Millennial) sexters. That drops off as participants age. Some of that is familiarity with the platform and some of it is trust in the platform. I also notice a lot more uncertainty and potential discomfort among younger sexters; the older someone is, the more likely that they are sexting in the context of a committed relationship. For college-aged individuals, they’re more likely to be sexting someone they don’t know as well, and I think that creates a feeling of risk. It makes sense that these same individuals are turning to Snapchat, then, because they are hoping the content will disappear the way Snapchat promises. 

Q: Do you think that new technologies will change the way that individuals sext in the future?

A: Always! People find fascinating ways to bend technologies to their will and achieve their goals, including sexting. I think some of these could be positives, such as greater protections for those who sext, maybe improved privacy and data practices. Of course, the flipside is that there are always risks as technology improves—deepfakes being a prime example of this. My hope is that new technologies can facilitate safer sexting; my ideal is something that allows for parties to mutually opt-in or consent before having a digital sexual interaction. 

Q: Was there anything you found particularly surprising when researching sexting?

A: I have loved talking with older adults who didn’t sext until later in life. I really enjoy hearing about how technology has been something they added to their relationships in positive ways. One participant was a man over 70 who had been with his wife over 30 years. The first time he got a sext from her—not that long ago!—his mind was blown and he felt really positive because it was just another way of maintaining their relationship. I think it’s easy to be anti-technology or anti-sexting because there are plenty of risks that come with it, but I feel like some of these experiences can be really positive for people. I would also say that I do find most sexting is happening in committed relationships, too—not to say that people aren’t sexting with strangers or new acquaintances, but the majority are usually in a relationship and are using sexting to help the relationship or maintain it, not start it. 

Q: Is there anything especially important that you would like readers to take away from your work?

A: Consent is so, so important. It’s easy to forget when you’re in a mediated conversation; I think we prioritize consent for in-person sexual interaction, but it’s important for both (or more) parties in a digital sexual interaction to consent, too. It’s so easy to lose track of your content and to have it end up somewhere or with someone who you didn’t intend. Having a meaningful conversation with a partner (or partners) about sexting and consenting can really help to keep that sense of control and autonomy.

If you have a sex question of your own, record a voicemail at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology to have it answered on the blog or the podcast. 

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References: 

[1]: Gesselman, A. N., Kaufman, E. M., Marcotte, A. S., Reynolds, T. A., & Garcia, J. R. (2023). Engagement with emerging forms of sextech: Demographic correlates from a national sample of adults in the united states. Journal of Sex Research, 60(2), 177–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2021.2007521

[2]: Ouytsel, J. V., Gool, E. V., Walrave, M., Ponnet, K., & Peeters, E. (2017). Sexting: Adolescents’ perceptions of the applications used for, motives for, and consequences of sexting. Journal of Youth Studies. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13676261.2016.1241865

[3]: Graham Holmes, L., Nilssen, A. R., Cann, D., & Strassberg, D. S. (2021). A sex-positive mixed methods approach to sexting experiences among college students. Computers in Human Behavior, 115, 106619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106619

[4]: Coduto, K. D. (2024). Theorizing interpersonal and technological dimensions of privacy in the exchange of sexual communication. Sexes, 5(2), 71–84. https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5020006

[5]: Fox, J., & McEwan, B. (2017). Distinguishing technologies for social interaction: The perceived social affordances of communication channels scale. Communication Monographs, 84(3), 298–318. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2017.1332418

[6]: Coduto, K. D. (2023). Technology, privacy, and sexting: Mediated sex. Lexington Books.

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