Is sexting good for your relationship? It depends

Our understanding of the prevalence, correlates, predictors, and outcomes of sexting is increasing; however, little is known about potential positive aspects of this emerging behavior, and whether the consequences of sexting vary by gender or relationship type (committed vs. casual). Using a sample of 352 undergraduate students (106 men, 246 women) the present study addresses this gap in the literature. Sixty-two percent of the participants reported that they had sent or received a sexually-explicit picture message. Of these, 56% reported that the sexting occurred with a committed partner, and 44% reported that it was with a casual partner. Men were significantly more likely to report sexting with a casual partner, while women were more likely to report sexting with a committed partner. Approximately half of young adults identified positive or neutral outcomes related to sexting; however, there were differences by relationship type and gender. For the most part, women and those who sexted with a casual partner identified fewer positive and more negative consequences than did men and those who sexted with a committed partner. Overall, findings point to the importance of considering individual and relationship characteristics in identifying and responding to teen and young adult sexting. Men more likely to have sent last sext to casual than committed sex partner.Women more likely to have sent last sext to committed than casual sex partner.About half reported positive sexual or emotional sexting consequences.One tenth reported negative sexual or emotional sexting consequences.Sexts sent in casual relationships have more negative and fewer positive outcomes.