Sharing intimate photos of yourself online, also known as ‘sexting,’ has become increasingly common in the digital age. While it might seem like a private exchange, the images can quickly spread, leading to devastating emotional, social, and legal consequences.
Also see: The surprising benefits of talking openly about sex
What is sexting?
The South African Police Service (SAPS) describes sexting as an act of sending a picture of your naked or semi-naked self to another, using an electronic device. It can also involve sending flirtatious or sexual messages to others.
According to Law For All, many South Africans rely on technology in their sex and dating lives. A 2017 survey from the Kinsey Institute shared that 77% of South Africans ‘sexted,’ becoming the top ‘sexting’ country worldwide.
So, while it may be innocent fun, how does the act present danger?
Also see: How long should good sex last?
The dangers of sexting
Below is how sexting can negatively affect your life, according to Law For All.
You lose control over who sees your images
Once you send an intimate photo, video or message, you no longer have control over where it goes or who might eventually see it. Even if you trust the person you’re sending it to, the content can be shared, copied or saved without your knowledge, and you may never know how it’s being used or who has access to it.
Emotional and psychological impact
If an explicit image is shared beyond its intended recipient, it can spread rapidly online and cause significant embarrassment and distress. Having private content circulated among friends, family, classmates or colleagues can lead to bullying, cyberbullying, anxiety and depression. In severe cases, the emotional toll can contribute to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
The risk of ‘sextortion’
“Sextortion” is a form of blackmail in which someone threatens to share a person’s intimate images unless they meet certain demands, such as paying money or sending more explicit content. Criminals often target young people and may pretend to be someone they trust before using the images to manipulate or intimidate them.
Becoming a victim of revenge porn
“Revenge porn” refers to the sharing or distribution of someone’s intimate images or videos without their consent, often to humiliate, intimidate, or seek revenge after a relationship ends. Once these images are posted online, removing them can be extremely difficult, and the effects can be long-lasting.
How to protect yourself from sexting
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from sexting. SAPS notes the following:
- Never share, copy, save, or forward someone else’s intimate images without their permission, even if they were sent to you privately.
- If someone asks you to send a nude photo or pressures you into sexting, don’t feel obligated to respond. Tell them you’re not interested, stop engaging with them, and block them if they continue to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- If someone asks you to share intimate images or is pressuring you to do something that makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult as soon as possible. This could be a parent, guardian, teacher or another trusted person who can help you stay safe.
Also see: Great sex while living in a shared family home
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