Electronic sharing of sexually explicit text messages, images, and videos still seem to be taboo, despite numbers clearly showing that most of us engage in it (eight out of ten adults, to be more precise).
According to recent sexting statistics, the activity has been rising, especially in 2021, after all social distance prevention measures were introduced. So, why is it still something we are ashamed of?
Can sexting cause harm to one’s privacy? What do you need to be aware of when sexting? What social groups sext the most? Take a look at the stats below to find out.
Top Ten Sexting Statistics for 2021
- Women are sexting more than men.
- Prevalence of sexting numbers show that 62% of millennials sext at least once a month, while 48% do it at least once a week.
- Teenagers feel peer-pressured into sexting.
- Stats on texting show that 52.3% of adults have reluctantly engaged in sexting behaviors.
- A sexting survey suggests that girls send sexually suggestive messages slightly more than boys do.
- 8 in 10 adults aged between 18 and 82 reports having done it at least once.
- Teen sexting statistics show that 63% of teens use sexting to appear funny or flirtatious.
- One in four US teenagers send sexually explicit videos, photos, and text messages, based on the sexting information facts.
- Sexting numbers reveal that 1 in 12 teens has forwarded a sext without consent.
- Stats on sexting in married and cohabiting couples show that these couples sext as well, but less than those not living together.
General Sexting Facts and Stats for a Sexy, Safe 2021
Before you send a sext, read through these carefully, and think about it again. We’re not saying you shouldn’t do it — we just urge you to send it to someone you trust. Here are some significant numbers and facts about sexting to help you decide.
1. Teen sexting statistics show that 63% of teens use sexting to appear funny or flirtatious.
(Intoxicated on life)
A recent survey of 23,000 high school students from the Boston area reveals that those who had sex are five times more likely to engage in sexting than virgins. While this may seem logical, it is shadowed by a lurking problem of growing number of teenage pregnancies.
On top of it all, 43% reported they did it as a present for their partner, while some sexted to get their crush’s attention (25%) or just to feel sexy (24%).
2. According to various facts about sexting it is a felony in 6 US states if it involves underage or non-consenting persons.
(Intoxicated On Life)
Sexting becomes legally enforceable with the involvement of underage people or any unwilling participants. Even teens can be registered as sex offenders if they create or distribute sexualized images or videos of young persons.
When it comes to US legal regulations on sexting, some states have downgraded it to a minor offense, while six states still regard the activity as a felony.
3. Teenagers feel peer-pressured into sexting.
(U Know Kids)
Revealing facts about teenage sexting indicate that some teenagers sext because they are interested in investigating their sexuality. However, others may be peer-pressured into engaging in this activity.
Unfortunately, teens usually aren’t able to approach sexting carefully, so regardless of the reason they engage in it, sexting is still a highly risky behavior that might get them into trouble.
4. Teen sexting facts suggest that sexting might eventually result in sexual bullying.
(Very Well Family)
Once they send a sext into the virtual world, the sender loses control over its content—anyone can see it, share it, and use it for blackmail. If a teen engages in reckless sexting, their peers might find out and bully them for their sexual activities. Therefore, this potentially fun activity can turn into public embarrassment and humiliation.
5. When it comes to the dangers of sexting, statistics have shown that even sexts sent via Snapchat aren’t safe.
(Very Well Family)
Some teens and adults believe that a message recipient will only see photos sent through Snapchat (which reportedly deletes all shared images). But when it comes to sexting, safety depends on the actions of the recipient. Once sent, these images are in another person’s possession. Therefore, tech-savvy users can save copies of the media before the deletion.
Sexting Statistics in Teenagers
Teenagers sext. Of course, they do. However, there are several possible problems when it comes to this. Since they are not legally consenting adults, sexting can be dangerous (and illegal) practice, and this is what you need to know about it.
6. One in four US teenagers send sexually explicit videos, photos, and text messages, based on the sexting information facts.
(Washington Post)
A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that one in four US teenagers are sexting. This may sound scary, especially when you consider that, according to relationship stats, only a third of teens have experience with relationships.
Scientists have concluded that this is an emerging and regular part of sexual development and behavior. However, sexting between people under 18 is still illegal in six US states, including Utah, Florida, and Georgia.
7. A sexting survey suggests that girls send sexually suggestive messages slightly more than boys do.
(Do Something)
Sexting is more common among teen girls. Reportedly, 22% of teenage girls send images of a sexual nature, while this is true for 18% of boys of the same age. Overall, 70% of teens who have sexted do it with their boyfriend or girlfriend.
8. According to teenage sexting statistics, more than 27% of teens have received at least one sext.
(Washington Post)
Teens today lead a great deal of their lives over texts. They connect, they date, break up over text, so it’s no surprise that they also communicate sexually over texts.
Based on 20 studies on sexting, the number of teens that received a sext is considerably higher than the number of teens who sent one. The researchers said this discrepancy results from the fact that one person can send a message to multiple recipients. It’s also possible that teens are more comfortable admitting to receiving a sext than sending one.
9. Sexting statistics from the UK show more than 4,000 problematic sexting cases from 2013 to 2017.
(BBC)
Statistics collected by the BBC indicate the authorities spoke to around 400 minors under the age of 12 that sexted someone between 2013 and 2017.
Sexting is illegal in the UK for anyone under 18. The youngest person ever investigated by the police for sexting was only five years old.
10. Sexting numbers reveal that 1 in 12 teens has forwarded a sext without consent.
(LA Times)
According to statistics from 2018, one in 12 of the examined teens confirmed having distributed a sext they had received from someone else without asking for their permission first, thus engaging in practice labeled as “non-consensual sexting.” Studies also reveal that older kids are more likely to be involved in sexting.
Sexting Statistics in Adults
Adults sext too; it is most definitely not a thing reserved for young people. Different studies revealed that sexting seems to be a wide-spread habit in adults and seniors around the world.
Maybe the following numbers will help you ditch the skepticism and press ‘Send’ on that sext chilling in your drafts for some time now.
11. Women are sexting more than men.
(NY Times)
While there are (slightly) fewer women than men using dating apps, sexting is a bit different. According to a recent study at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, women are even more likely to initiate sexting than men.
But how common is sexting in women? As per this extensive study, two-thirds of women have sent naked or semi-naked photos, compared to about one-half of men. However, this study might not reflect reality to the fullest extent since it limits the survey to those cheating on their partners.
12. 8 in 10 adults aged between 18 and 82 reports having done it at least once.
(Web Watcher)
According to sexting facts and statistics, eight in 10 adults have done it, supporting the hypothesis that sexting is perhaps just a natural occurrence and an integral part of the modern exploration of sexuality.
This should also encourage the parents to talk to their children about it, even if they didn’t do it when they were teens themselves. Better late than never!
13. Prevalence of sexting numbers show that 62% of millennials sext at least once a month, while 48% do it at least once a week.
(Bustle)
It seems that sexting has become a norm for adults (especially according to long-distance relationship statistics), but it doesn’t necessarily make a relationship better.
According to sexting stats published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, too much sexting can cause trouble in your relationship, even if it improves your libido.
Yes, sexting can be great entertainment, but only as long as other components of a relationship are healthy as well. If you and your partner are quarreling, sexting can only do you harm, making your partner think you’re not taking them seriously.
14. Stats on sexting in married and cohabiting couples show that these couples sext as well, but less than those not living together.
(LiebesexrtPub)
This study examining the prevalence of sexting among cohabiting couples (including a sample of 180 wives and 175 husbands) has shown that married adults do sext each other significantly less frequently than young adults in relationships.
According to sexting statistics, their sexting mostly consists of sexy or intimate talk (29%), while only 12% engage in sharing sexually explicit photos or videos. Additionally, they reported that sexting improved their relationship satisfaction. Specifically, it alleviated attachment anxiety in women, while men experienced higher relationship satisfaction.
15. Stats on texting show that 52.3% of adults have reluctantly engaged in sexting behaviors.
(Metro)
It’s challenging to determine what level of sexting people are comfortable with and what is considered consensual. However, statistics reveal that some adults still find sexting embarrassing and are reluctant to admit they find pleasure in it. Their reasons for sexting include flirtation, foreplay, and pleasing their partner.
Whatever the case may be, the public discourse and the overall dating scene are changing to be more inclusive of all ages (if you’re new to all these, make sure to check these senior dating sites where you can be sure others are on the same page when it comes to age).
Conclusion
Distributing sexually explicit content can be risky, especially for the younger population. So why do people sext? The newest data suggest that it is slowly becoming a normal part of the modern exploration of sexuality.
Sexting statistics reveal that it’s certainly not acceptable to engage in sexting if you are under 18 or exposing someone else without their consent. But, if the recipient is your long-term partner, and you’re sexting cautiously, it just might be the perfect way to overcome relationship challenges and have fun with your significant other.
