From private to public: Analyzing the dynamics of nonconsensual sexts in the digital age

Abstract

Previous research has found that gender is central to both consensually sending and receiving sexts and nonconsensual sharing. This research often spotlights girls as being responsible and explains that boys’ roles as perpetrators in these interactions are made invisible. We aimed to investigate the feelings, harms, responses, and dynamics of nonconsensual sexting in a sample of Canadian adolescents. Exploratory surveys were administered to adolescents (eleven to nineteen years) who had experienced (n = 73) or engaged (n = 40) in the nonconsensual dissemination of sexts. In the experienced sample, a majority had negative feelings; males tended to have fewer negative feelings. Most told someone outside of school, which females were more likely to find helpful. There was a statistically significant relationship in the engaged sample, with a higher proportion of males than females reporting positive feelings and/or no harm. Gender dynamics and societal norms influence how adolescents respond to sexting experiences, emphasizing the need for education and prevention strategies.