Sexting growing in popularity among young people

 

A recent poll conducted by Associated Press-MTV found that nearly 30% of 14-24 years olds surveyed have been involved with some type of “sexting”. That is, texting with sexual references or words, sharing nude photos or videos, or participating in sexual acts via a webcam.

What many teenagers who participated in the study didn’t realize was the potential legal consequences of their actions. In certain states, some teens have faced felony charges for sending and exchanging nude pictures.

The poll is part of an MTV campaign, “A Thin Line”, which aims to stop the spread of digital abuse in this age of webcams, mobile phones, and instant messaging. It’s easier than ever to flirt from a distance, but it doesn’t mean that it’s legal or wise behavior, especially for teenagers and young adults who don’t understand the seriousness or potential ramifications of their actions. Pictures, videos, and chat strings tend to surface and live forever because of the Internet and mobile messaging, despite the sender’s original intentions. Once a picture or text is out there, it can be forwarded to anyone, at any time, even potential employers and college recruiters.

The AP-MTV poll was conducted in September of this year, and involved online interviews with 1,247 people aged 14-24.

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For more info: Kelly is a writer and former speed dating host.  You can visit her blog "Notes from the Dating Trenches" at www.kellyseal.com, and follow her tweets @kellyseal.  You can click the "subscribe" button above to receive her articles when they post.