The Sexting Phenomenon: An Issue of Youth Culture or the Emergence of Revenge Porn?

• In Event: Interpersonal Violence in Cyberspace: Cyberbullying, Sexting, Revenge Porn, and Cyber-Harassment

Abstract

Sexting, the phenomenon commonly defined as the making, distributing, and receiving of nude or sexually explicit images and/or messages within digital forms of communication, is a practice among youths that has been met with social and legal outcry. This form of behavior has generated considerable amounts of concern from not only parents and guardians, but also legislators. While sexting as a practice is generally not considered to be harmful by many, its potential to result in instances of revenge porn ignites this public fear and anxiety. Given the legal consequences of sexting bearing harsh sentences, the study explores the various factors potentially contributing to the phenomenon of why sexters transition from consensual forms of sexting to engaging in the distribution of revenge porn. Using both Gottfredson and Hirschi’s (1990) Self-Control Theory as well as Choi’s (2008) integrated theory of Cyber-Routine Activities Theory as guiding frameworks, this study will discuss whether or not there are significant identifiable factors that connect sexters with revenge porn perpetration and victimization.

Author

• Jin Ree Lee, University of Ontario Institute of Technology