Perceptions on the Legality of Sexting: A Report. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCabe, Kimberly A.; Johnston, Olivia C.
• Is Part Of: Social science computer review. Volume 32:Number 6(2014)
• Page Start: 765
• Page End: 768
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: sexting -- texting -- sexually explicit images -- child pornography -- child protection act -- child protection and obscenity enforcement act -- exploitation of children today act; Social sciences -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computers -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Microcomputers -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Micro-ordinateurs -- Périodiques; 300.285
• DOI: 10.1177/0894439314520668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-4393

Abstract

In many cases in today's world, sexting has replaced sexually explicit letters or messages and one time sent through the postal service. However, whereas mail traditionally involved one sender and one recipient, sexting can involve multiple parties, is a common activity for teens, and can be considered illegal. This report was an attempt to document users' knowledge of sexting and their recognition of illegal activities. Results indicated that regardless of age or sex, individuals capable of sexting were aware of the legality and illegality of the action. However, females generally held a more narrow view of sexting in that if the sexting involved children as the victims of the sexually explicit image and not the recipient, then the action was considered illegal. Through research reports such as this one, awareness of the illegal possibilities of sexting is exposed.