Sexting: A New Relationship Tool or a Risk for Adolescents?

Abstract

Sexting is defined as "transmission of nude or semi-nude provocative photos and videos of oneself or another person known to the receiver and sender, through electronic means" (Lenhart, 2009). While it can be considered as a consensual sexual act between adults, when it comes to adolescents, it is addressed as a risk factor in different dimensions such as socialization among peers, bullying, child sexual abuse and psychological health. With the decrease in the age of smartphone and tablet use, this behavior has become widespread among adolescents, and in recent years, research on the subject in various countries has started to focus on adolescents. In this review study, in order to contribute to the Turkish literature and to introduce the reader to this concept in the light of scientific studies, the information obtained from research on the definition, prevalence and risks of the concept of "sexting" is summarized. The compilation is limited to pre-adolescence and adolescence.