Motivations for Sexting in Undergraduate College Students

Background: Research on sexting (sending sexually explicit text messages or nude photographs via mobile phone) has focused primarily on teenage populations, with concern expressed regarding perceived pressure to engage in the activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential risks of sexting in a college population and understand the prevalence of, motivation for, and attitudes surrounding the behavior. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 2562 undergraduate students completed an anonymous online survey regarding sexting. In addition to asking about engagement in sexting activity, the survey contained Likert scaled questions assessing general attitudes regarding sexting and common motivations for engaging in the activity. Results: Of respondents, 83% had either sent or received a sexually explicit text and/or nude/semi-nude photo; 16% had forwarded one. A majority (82%) agreed that sexting was appropriate in a committed relationship, yet 93% agreed that sexting had potentially negative consequences. Motivating factors for sexting included desire for sexual activity (77%); a sexy present for girlfriend/boyfriend (77%); a form of sexual expression (72%); and to feel fun or flirtatious (71%). Only 26% of respondents felt pressured to sext, while 22% sexted in order to gain attention. Conclusions: Despite the perceived risk, sexting is a prevalent behavior and viewed as appropriate by a majority of undergraduate college students. The motivations cited for sexting differ from those identified by younger populations. Targeting public health strategies to reflect these differences may help to effectively address this potential problem.