The sexting It is a practice that consists of exchanging messages with erotic content through a device As the mobile phonea tablets or one computer. These ‘hot’ messages can be texts, videos, photos, audios, etc., but in all of them the objective is to keep someone a racy conversation.
It is one more form of expression of sexuality, adapted to the circumstances and the evolution of the use of social networks, messaging apps and the new ones technologies. Namely, it’s sex 2.0, more linked to the young population and practiced equally by both men and women.
The playful part of sexting is clear, but it must also be taken into account that, if misunderstood and skipping some basic precautions, the exchange of this sexual content can lead to cyber crimes As the groomingsextortion or cyber bullying.
Benefits of practicing sexting
In any case, practicing sexting is a personal decision based on individual tastes and preferences, but if done properly it has a positive potential that can favor general aspects of sexuality. Chiara Susanna Eyzaguirre, Psychologist and Sexologist at Cognitiva Peru, pointed out some of these benefits for TechMarkup:
1. Users can explore fantasies and to experiment with those less traditional practices without having to put them into practice.
2. It implies the practice of safe sex, without the risk of unwanted pregnancies or of acquiring any STI.
3. It is a perfect method for long-distance relationships, which will help connect with that partner who is far away and thus help maintain the active sexual desire.
4. It can be practiced as a prelude to a face-to-face sexual relationship to increase desire and excitement before the meeting.
How to practice safe sexting and protect yourself on social networks
The cognitive expert details that practicing sexting safely is vital to avoid exposing yourself to risks and protect yourself from crimes that may involve blackmail or revenge.
In the absence of clear rules in this exchange of information, it is best to anticipate, establish rules and prior precautions. Some details to keep in mind not totally lose control of the content they are related to the treatment given to the information that is sent.
It is preferable to handle materials in which the person who appears cannot be identifiedand displaying details like tattoos or scars make them easily recognizable. “The stage must also be the most neutral possible, to avoid being able to recognize the place where one is”, explains Eyzaguirre.
On the other hand, these are the most effective ways to protect yourself on social media most popular today, in addition to being able to report potential abuse:
– In Facebookyou have to stop being friends with the person, block them and report them.
– In Twitter, unfollow, block and report the tweet by clicking the icon ‘More options’ in every tweet. Change Twitter settings so you can watch what you want and avoid “low-quality” interactions as much as possible.
– In Instagramput your account in mode ‘Private’, block unwanted followers and prevent them from apps from third parties obtain your data
How to make children aware of their risks
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.
If any TechMarkup reader has children, they have surely thought about how to protect them from unsafe practices. To help minors understand the risks of sexting, Eyzaguirre provides the following 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.
– Help them differentiate the private from the public. The adolescent must be helped to understand that if sexting is practiced, that private part can be known by other people to whom he or she would never want to show that part of themselves.
– Lost of control. Adolescents must be made to understand that if their messages, photographs or videos are made public in situations of sexual exposure, they would be vulnerable to those who receive it and who can react by using that material as they see fit, without protecting said 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.
