What is Sexting?

Definition, Context and Consent

The term sexting comes from the union of "sex" and "texting".

It is defined as the sending, receiving or forwarding of sexually explicit or intimate content (images, videos or messages) of one's own creation, mainly through mobile devices.

It is crucial to understand that sexting is an increasingly common practice in adolescence and adulthood, and that, as long as it is consensual, private and between people with the maturity to do so (i.e. adults), it is not in itself a problem, but a form of expression of sexuality.

The problem arises in two ways: when it is done as a minor, and, above all, when consent is broken.

Sexting becomes problematic and potentially criminal the moment the content, which was created and sent in a context of trust and privacy, is disseminated without the protagonist's permission.

Digital trust is volatile, and what is sent to one person can end up, in seconds, in the hands of hundreds.

The Main Risks: Non-Consensual Dissemination and Sextortion

The fundamental risk of sexting is the total loss of control over one's own image.

Once a photo or video leaves the device, it is impossible to recover it or delete it completely.

The first risk is non-consensual dissemination, often referred to (erroneously) as "revenge porn".

It occurs when an ex-partner, after a breakup, disseminates the material for revenge or humiliation.

It also occurs as a "joke" or to gain status in a group of friends, becoming a form of cyberbullying and digital gender-based violence.

The second serious risk is sextortion. This occurs when a recipient (or someone who has stolen the material) threatens to make the intimate content public if the victim does not agree to their requests.

These requests usually include: sending more photos or videos with more sexual content, making a financial payment, or even forcing a physical encounter. The victim is trapped in a cycle of blackmail and fear.

Prevention and Legal Framework

Prevention of sexting has several layers. The most obvious is "don't do it"; if the material does not exist, there is no risk.

However, given that it is a reality, prevention must be more sophisticated: if it is done, never show your face or identifying elements (tattoos, scars, the background of the room).

There are also applications that blur or put watermarks. Legally, it is vital that minors understand two things.

First, that disseminating another person's intimate content without their permission is a serious crime (discovery and disclosure of secrets), even if the person sent it to you voluntarily at the time.

Second, the most important prevention is the one that falls on the recipient: "If it reaches you, don't share it. Delete it. To be complicit in the dissemination is to be part of the crime and part of the harassment.

Summary

Sexting is the consensual sending of one's own intimate or sexual content by digital means. The problem is not the practice itself, but the risk of such content leaving one's private sphere.

The main risk is the loss of control of the image and non-consensual dissemination, often by ex-partners (revenge porn). It can also lead to sextortion, a blackmail to ask for more photos.

The most effective prevention is not to do it or, at least, not to show one's face. Legally, disseminating intimate content of others without permission is a serious crime. If you receive it, do not forward it.