What is sexting?
The term “sexting” is a contraction of “sex” and “texting”, meaning the exchange of sexual content via digital media. This can include explicit texts, suggestive images or erotic videos.
🔹 Two main forms of sexting exist:
- consensual sexting, practiced between partners to spice up a relationship or keep desire at bay.
- non-consensual sexting, which includes the sending of unsolicited content (dick pics, blackmail, revenge porn) and constitutes a form of digital violence.
📱 The rise of social networks and dating apps has encouraged this practice, transforming the smartphone into a veritable tool of virtual seduction.
Sexting in France: a booming phenomenon 💥
The 2024 Inserm survey reveals striking figures on the scale of sexting in France:
- In the general population (18-89 years), 13.8% of women and 17.9% of men have already sent a sext;
- In the 18-29 age group, the practice explodes, with 36.6% of women and 39.6% of men having sent an intimate image;
- 47.8% of women and 53.6% of men have received one.
🔍 Comparison with global trends
These figures place France in the global average, according to a meta-analysis of 50 studies published on ScienceDirect in 2023, which estimates that 38.3% of young adults have sent a sext and 41.5% have received one.
The benefits of sexting for couples ❤️
Sexting helps to keep the flame alive in a long-distance relationship, encourages communication around fantasies and can improve self-confidence and the expression of desire.
A study published on ScienceDirect (2023) establishes a link between sexting and sexual satisfaction, notably because of the playful and transgressive dimension it brings to the relationship.
The dark side of sexting: harassment, blackmail and non-consensual distribution
While sexting can be a source of pleasure, it can also turn into a nightmare, particularly when practiced without consent.
🚨 The dangers of non-consensual sexting:
- 28.7% of women and 6.3% of men say they have received an intimate image without their consent;
- 33.2% of women and 24.7% of men aged 18-29 have experienced forced sexting;
- 15% of adults have already forwarded a sexual message without the consent of the person concerned.
😨 The psychological consequences are not negligible, with :
- increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts ;
- a social pressure effect that leads some to send sexting they will regret.
In France, non-consensual sexting is punishable by law ⚖️ under article 226-2-1 of the Penal Code: up to 2 years' imprisonment and a €60,000 fine for non-consensual distribution.
How to sext safely?
4 golden rules 🔒 to avoid abuse
- Never send a sext under pressure ;
- Favor secure applications (Snapchat, Signal, Telegram) ;
- Blur or hide your face to avoid identification;
- Always ask for explicit consent before sending or receiving an intimate image.
The importance of sex and digital education
Education in emotional and relational life (EVRAS) in France could raise young people's awareness with clear information on rights and risks is necessary to combat digital sexual violence.
