More than eight out of ten adults admitted to sexting in the past year, a new study has revealed.
An online survey carried out by researchers from Drexel University’s Women’s Health Psychology Lab found that 88% of participants said they had sexted in the past, with 82% declaring they had sexted in the past year.
The survey was completed by a total of 870 people from the United States between the ages of 18 to 82.
The research was carried out to gather more information about modern sexting behaviours and motives, along with adults’ relationship and sexual satisfaction.
For the purpose of the survey, researchers defined sexting as “the sending or receiving of sexually suggestive or explicit content via text message, primarily using a mobile device”.
Emily Stasko, MS, MPH, a clinical psychology doctoral student in Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences said: “This research indicates that sexting is a prevalent behaviour that adults engage in for a variety of reasons. These findings show a robust relationship between sexting and sexual and relationship satisfaction.”
Each participant was asked if they had ever engaged in any activities outlined in the definition, and 75% reported they sexted whilst in a committed relationship.
A further 43% said they sexted as part of a casual relationship.
Sexting was the basis of Calvin Klein’s recent online dating-inspired ad campaign, which will appear on Tinder later this year.
Speaking about the campaign, Calvin Klein’s chief marketing officer, Melisa Goldie, said: “We saw a behavior happening out there, and not just with the younger generation. It’s really dating via digital. It’s authentic and true to how this consumer communicates.”
The researchers also learned that higher levels of sexting coincided with greater sexual satisfaction, particularly for those in a committed relationship.
This research is another step to further understanding the nature of sexting, which is often depicted as a risky and damaging activity, both emotionally and physically.
Stasko added: “Given the possible implications, both positive and negative, for sexual health, it is important to continue investigating the role sexting plays in current romantic and sexual relationships.”
Read the study’s abstract here.