Technology has made keeping in touch easier than ever but “sexting” has brought a whole new meaning to “reach out to touch someone”.

Historically, messages of an explicit nature have been exchanged in every imaginable form of media. The word “sexting” is a combination of two words: “sex” and “texting”. Thanks to the digital age and cell phone technology, people can discreetly exchange sexually explicit messages, photos and even short video clips with their loved one at anytime and anywhere.

Many couples enjoy keeping in touch through the day sending messages of sweet nothings via their cell phones. Sexting actually takes things to a whole new level by sending seductively enticing messages and more. This practice (usually in it’s more mild forms) has become more and more popular with married couples in these past few years as well. Wives are now transmitting risqué photos of themselves to their husbands at work via the. Husbands are getting in on the act by texting their wives with seductive messages describing what is to come later that evening. Sexting is also a great way to keep in touch when one partner is out of town on business to help spice up their night.

Although many couples have found sexting to be a great way to spice up their love lives even when they are apart, it can have a negative side as well. It can be tremendously embarrassing if that naughty picture or message gets accidentally sent to the wrong person. This could lead to public humiliation and in rare cases even blackmail. So be especially careful to check your recipient when sending explicit messages of a private nature.

The other downside to sexting is that so many teens are getting in on the act. The media has reported on several convictions regarding minors and the illicit use of cell phones to send or possess nude or semi-nude photos of themselves or a girlfriend or boyfriend. This has lead to even tougher laws regarding child pornography in many areas. Although you may wish to respect your adolescent’s privacy, it is a good idea to check their phone on occasion to see what they are saying, sending and storing on their cell phone. Just think what could happen if they lost their phone and those images were to fall into the wrong hands. If you find explicit material on their phone, it is imperative that you erase them and discuss the issue and the associated dangers with your teen.

Note to readers:
Please send your letters, comments and topic suggestions to Chuck Altmix, The Marriage and Sex Examiner at: examinerchuck@comcast.net