Motivation and Subjective Meaning of Participation in Sexting in Minor Girls

Abstract

In Russia, the number of sexual crimes against minors committed using the Internet is increasing. One way to obtain pornographic products depicting children and teenagers is sexting. To prevent the involvement of minors in such activities, it is important to know their motivation and understanding of their own participation in sexting. In a qualitative study of a complete sample of 27 girls aged 12 to 18 who were victims of molestation, the main motivational and semantic characteristics related to their sexualized activities on the Internet were considered. Three groups have been identified that differ in the motivational orientation of interactions: those who are actively interested in sexual topics and willingly engage in risky interactions without the formation of interpersonal relationships; focused on communication and friendships; seeking to form and develop romantic relationships. The typical features of girls of each group and the nature of their actual emotional response are described. It is proposed to take into account these characteristics in preventive programs.