By Elina Urrutia IStaff WriterI
Sexting is the new iteration of cybersex. It is the sending of sexually explicit photos, images, text messages or emails through a cell phone or other mobile device.
“All across the country, teenage boys and girls are using the built in cameras on their cellphones to take nude and semi-nude photos of themselves, and sending them to boyfriend/girlfriends, friends or classmates,” said American civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred.
According to iKeepSafe.org, “A 2010 nationwide survey sponsored by LG Mobile Phones found that 1-in-3 teens have participated in sexting and 1-in-4 thinks it’s a normal part of teen life.
The survey also found that ‘for many teens, sending, receiving and forwarding these types of messages and images – and even being the target of such messages – is indicative of a higher social status’.”
Students were asked of their thoughts on sexting; these were some of the responses.
“I think it’s creative in a writing perspective,” said student Bri Sotelo.
“The use of imagination, so you’re stimulating it in your mind and it’s not something physical,” continued Sotelo.
“Some people are natural writers and they are good at it and they know how to make you think outside of your head and like have the imagination sense,” concluded Sotelo.
Students were then asked why they think people sext.
“I think people sext to spice things up in a relationship or just for fun,” said Miranda Jackson, California State University of Los Angeles student.
“People get excitement out of it because they get to see things that people keep so hidden to themselves, like girls with their boob, their ass, and their private part; guys get a kick out of it, just to see that stuff because it’s something that a girl is just so easily gonna show out there, and the same for girls when they get a picture of our thing,” said student Noel Gonzalez.
According to students, sexting can be an alternative to having sex and it is used for different reasons.
“For pure entertainment, I guess it can be safer than physical contact,” said student Freddy Martinez.
“Because you don’t get pregnant,” said Jesus Maya, University of California Los Angeles student.
The students were also asked what they consider to be “do’s and dont’s” while sexting.
Some students feel that there are no rules and no such thing as etiquette to sexting.
“Do whatever floats your boat,” said student Yvonne Rojas.
While other students believe that people shouldn’t use sexting as a way to get to know someone.
“You shouldn’t be sexting someone just to get them to like you or because they asked you to. You also shouldn’t sext someone you don’t trust,” said student Erika Guillen.
With the right words, you can get a picture of a rose, go to your favorite vacation place, or devour something that hits the spot—if you know what I mean.
Leave a Reply