Sexting is an increasingly widespread practice, favored above all by new forms of communication. The clichés around it lead many people to consider it dangerous. With a few more precautions, however, we will be able to enjoy this practice without taking risks.
Last update: June 22, 2022
The way we communicate with each other has definitely changed. This change affects everyday life and affects different areas of our life. And, of course, the intimate and erotic sphere is also affected. And it is right in this context, phenomena such as sexting are born.
The new forms of communication have facilitated a more immediate and unfiltered type of interaction. As we have mentioned, in this context, sexting encompasses a whole set of communicative elements by means of information and communication technologies (ICT).
What is sexting?
The word sexting comes from the fusion of the English words sex (sex) and texting (text messages). Sexting is considered to be all those practices that consist in sending erotic content through electronic devices, such as a smartphone, tablet or computer. All formats fall within these practices: photographs, gifs, videos, texts, audio, etc.
There are infinite ways to do this practice. However, it is important to clarify that sexting is an activity that takes place within a relationship between two or more people and takes place in a consensual and free way. In other words, when a person decides to send content of an intimate nature to another, he must not do so under external pressure, but voluntarily.
When thinking about these practices, it is common to assume that they are dangerous. In some areas, there is even an attempt to prohibit or oppose them. But the truth is that sexting is not, in itself, something negative or positive; it is rather a way of communicating. Rather than being positive or negative, it can be said to have disadvantages and, of course, advantages.
disadvantages
The main drawback of this practice is the absence of limits. Electronic devices allow us to send any type of content and we must be the ones to set limits.
What are the repercussions of lacking limits or misusing sexting? There may be situations of strong pressure or even blackmail, in which you are forced to send erotic content against your will. Or that the recipient of a content, without the sender's permission, can share it with other people. And unpleasant incidents such as sharing intimate content from the ex for the purpose of revenge after a breakup can also occur.
Advantages
The disadvantages just mentioned, strongly feed the clichés about sexting and, more generally, its dangerousness. Sexting, however, as a form of communication has several advantages. These are practically the same as in the new forms of communication: limmediacy, accessibility and the elimination of geographical barriers. If the partner is on the other side of the world, it is still possible to keep the flame of passion burning via smartphone with erotic games.
We know that these practices will never replace physical relationships, but they can undoubtedly help keep the desire for the other person alive despite the distance. Sexting satisfies needs that previously could not be met. Mobile devices also allow us to carry out this interaction in the way that is most comfortable for us.
Common myths about sexting
Given its implications, advantages and disadvantages, we now move on to list a number of common myths or popular beliefs about sexting:
- Sexting is dangerous. It cannot be said that it is, nor can it be denied that it can become so. What actually risks being dangerous, as we have already said, is the abuse of him.
- Sexting is cold and impersonal. Sending erotic content via electronic devices does not necessarily have to replace erotic relationships based on physical contact. Rather, it has other functions; it presupposes a type of interaction in its own right, not comparable to others. There is therefore no reason why sexting should be cold or impersonal.
- It is promiscuous. This practice is used in various situations. Furthermore, it is often used by conventional couples who have no other way of expressing and satisfying their erotic needs.
- It always ends badly. Not necessarily, if used well. More and more professional sexologists are using this topic in sex education classes for younger people.
How to practice sexting safely
Myths about sexting are widespread. To put an end to these beliefs, it is necessary to offer safe alternatives for proper practice. If you want to practice sexting without any risk, you must carefully choose the person with whom to share the experience.
Trust, as in conventional erotic relationships, determines how comfortable and free we can feel. Furthermore, practicing sexting with a trusted person gives us the security of doing it voluntarily and not under pressure, which is another recommendation to be taken into account in this case.
Paying more attention to the content simply gives us the opportunity to minimize the risks. We should act in such a way that if, for any reason, the content we send falls into the wrong hands, we cannot be identified.. For example, sending a photo in which we show only the body or part of it will have the same effect as one with the face, but with the advantage of not being recognizable.
If you decide to submit intimate content, be sure not to show recognizable markings, such as piercings, tattoos, or accessories you use regularly. We also recommend that you keep the context in which you take such images neutral (not having a photo of family members in the background, or a distinctive poster that people know is yours, for example). Try to periodically delete intimate photos saved on your device, as you never know who might be accessing them.
Conclusions
We live in a hyper-connected society. When we send a photo via our smartphone, we automatically lose control over it, both for the choice of platforms or applications that do not guarantee security and privacy, and for the lack of responsibility of those who receive the content.
Focusing on banning or limiting these practices to teenagers will only push them to practice them, perhaps even exposing them to risks. It is therefore preferable to give the possibility to anyone who wants to practice sexting in complete safety.
