Sexting is the sending and receiving of sexually explicit material. It can include semi-nude to full nude photographs or sexual language.
For most adults this is a perfectly legal way of using their computer or cell phone, although, if the content is sent to or by a person under the age of 18 it is considered child pornography and can result in real consequences.
“If the age is a reasonable difference say like 18 and 15 [it] should be fine,” said Brandon Irwin, freshman, “but like 20 + than that’s way too old to be talking dirty to a minor.”
Laws have been unable to keep up with the growth in technological development, therefore sexting offenders are charged under current sex laws.
“If a person is convicted under the current law and if they manage to be released from prison, they may have to register as a sex offender,” according to a New York state website.
There are other risks when sexting someone. Pictures or messages could be posted to the web or passed to other people and forever be passed around on the World Wide Web, possibly haunting a person for the rest of their life.
“In this world, there are people who exist that have the technological skill to access your system and steal anything you send online,” according to collegenews.com
Statistically 22% of teen girls and 18% of teen boys send sexually explicit messages according to mass.gov. In addition to this, approximately 33% of young adults have posted sexual pictures of themselves on the internet.
“For younger students or young adults it is not appropriate,” said Julie Wahll-Gasaway, freshman.
If you are going to sext there are simple things you can do to protect yourself such as not sending sexually explicit images or messages to someone you just met.
“Gauge for yourself what makes a person trustworthy enough to receive your most intimate Kodak moments,” saidcollegenews.com
Do not think technology is full proof. “The worst mistake you could make is putting your pictures in a “private album” on Facebook or MySpace. Trust me, that’s not private,” according to collegenews.com
Sexting is a risky thing, but be smart. If you are going to do it make sure you know who you are sexting. Know the risk of sexting and how it can affect you in your daily life.
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