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Sexting is a
practice
that consists of exchanging messages with erotic content through an electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet or computer.
These 'hot' messages can be text, video, photo, audio, etc., but in all of them the goal is to have
a racy conversation with someone.
Rosa Navarro, sexologist at Diversual, clarifies that it is one more form of expression of sexuality, adapted to the circumstances and the evolution of the use of social networks and new technologies.
In other words,
it is sex 2.0,
more linked to the young population and practiced equally by men and women.
However, "one difference that does seem to exist is that women are more likely to send them and men are more likely to receive them," she clarifies.
The playful part of sexting is clear, but we must also bear in mind that if misunderstood and skipping some basic precautions, the exchange of this sexual content can lead to
cybercrimes
such as grooming, sextortion or cyberbullying.
"We cannot forget that manipulation and deception on the network is a reality that we can anticipate. The best protection against this type of crime is to have adequate information," says the Diversual sexologist.
It is important to keep in mind, she continues, that it must be a
situation agreed upon
by both parties and also that the person with whom the exchange takes place is someone you
trust
.
Benefits of practicing sexting
In any case, practicing sexting is a personal decision based on individual tastes and preferences, but if carried out properly it has positive potential that can favor general aspects of our sexuality.
The sexologist points out some:
We can explore sexual
fantasies
and experiment with these less traditional practices without having to put them into practice.
It implies the practice of safe sex, without the risk of unwanted pregnancies or of acquiring any STI.
It is a perfect method for long-distance relationships, which will help us connect with that partner that we have far away and thus help maintain
active sexual desire
.
It can be practiced as a prelude to a face-to-face sexual relationship to increase desire and excitement before the meeting.
A suggestive photo or a spicy message can be
a good starter before the main course
.
Sending this content while the other person is on the way home, teleworking in the next room or even cooking can be a great way to experiment and innovate in our sexuality.
A very innovative alternative that is becoming more and more popular is the use of erotic toys with app control, which allow you to give control to the remote partner and at the same time share messages, photos or videos.
How to practice safe sexting?
The
Diversual
expert details that practicing sexting safely is vital to avoid exposing ourselves to risks and protect ourselves from crimes that may involve blackmail or revenge.
Given the lack of clear rules in this exchange of information, it is best to
anticipate and establish rules and precautions
in advance .
Some details that must be taken into account in order not to completely lose control of the content are related to the treatment we give to the information we send.
It is preferable to handle materials in which
the person who appears cannot be identified
, and it is not advisable to show details such as
tattoos or scars
that make you easily recognizable.
The setting should also be as
neutral
as possible, to avoid being able to recognize the place where you are.
How to make children aware of its risks?
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Although there is a high rate of millennials among those who practice it, sexting is a global phenomenon in which people of different ages participate.
Some recent studies even reveal that it is a frequent practice in the
adult population
.
"Most research has focused on adolescents, so the results have been focused primarily on this segment," explains Rosa Navarro.
That's why, she says, she hangs out with more young people.
If you have children, surely you have thought about how to protect them from unsafe practices.
To help minors understand the risks of sexting, the psychologist and educational psychologist
Maribel Gámez
, from the Maribel Gámez Applied Psychology Center, provides keys:
Establish a relationship of trust.
The first thing that will protect them from the possible negative consequences of sexting is that a relationship of trust between the adult and the adolescent has been established since childhood.
From this relationship, the subject of sex and its different manifestations can also be approached naturally, where sexting is one of them.
This will help both at the time when the risks of this practice have to be warned, and so that they tell, if they practice it, everything that happens to them, think or doubt about it.
Help them differentiate the private from the public.
Sexuality is part of a person's intimacy, of behaviors that are of a private nature.
The adolescent must be helped to understand that if they practice sexting, that private part can be known by other people to whom he or she would never want to show that part of themselves.
For this to happen puts you in a vulnerable position with respect to others, who may handle highly sensitive material without the respect it deserves.
Is it something you really want to do?
Adolescence is a stage of life where the person is especially vulnerable to comments or pressure from other people.
To protect yourself from the risks that this practice entails, it is useful to know if it is something you really want to do or, on the contrary, feel that you have to do it in order to please others or for fear of being rejected if you do not do it.
Is it possible that there could be other ways to express your sexuality without taking the risks that sexting entails?
Lost of control.
How would she feel if she received a sexual photograph of an acquaintance of hers on her cell phone?
How do you think that person would react if he knew that sexual videos or photographs of him were circulating around?
It is important to put him or her in the place of a person who may suffer from this situation because, in the end, it is also what he or she is exposed to if they practice sexting.
You have to make him understand that if photographs or videos of him in situations of sexual exposure are made public, for whatever reason, he would be vulnerable to those who receive it and who can react by using that material as they see fit, without protecting their privacy. .
Social networks and reality.
They should understand, with practical examples, that the world of social networks or mobile applications through which they can carry out this practice is different from the real world.
That is, there are fewer clues and clues, or these can be confusing, to be able to reach the conclusion that someone can be trusted.
How do you get that certainty in the real world?
Through a lot of communication and knowledge of the other until he becomes someone predictable enough.
To find that certainty in the virtual world, it is best to combine online with face-to-face.
Conforms to The Trust Project criteria
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