The Sexting Phenomenon

1190 Words3 Pages

Cell phones are common objects found in the pockets and bags of almost everyone one in the world. Recently, cell phones have been getting teens and adults into trouble. Most individuals send and receive text messages. The newest trend among some individuals is “sex-texting” or “sexting.” Sexting is a dangerous yet contagious phenomenon contaminating the lives of teens and adults all over the country, if not the world. This phenomenon can have serious consequences. Even after surveying 1300 teenagers, one in five say they’ve sexted, although they know that it could be a crime (Feyerick and Steffen). Sexting is a growing epidemic and the only way to prohibit its growth is to develop close relationships with the kids of today’s society.

Sexting is an issue that many people are still unclear on. Sexting is the exchanging of nude or seminude pictures or videos by cell phones (Hewitt and Driscoll). These media files can be exchanged by teens as young as 11 to married adults in their 40s. Sexting can hold serious consequences, such as being charged with child pornography, having to register in the sex offenders list, and even facing jail time (Hewitt and Driscoll). Even after knowing the gravity of the consequences, people continue to sext. The reason behind this phenomenon is still a mystery. Some believe that some individuals want to sext in order to gain the attention that they aren’t getting from significant other. A woman who had participated in sexting even claimed that a man she sexted with made her feel wanted (Tapper). The same article states that men believe “if you get a woman to send you a naked picture, you’re cool. It’s an ego boost.” Although many know sexting can be a crime, many individuals who sext do i...

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...lationships with teens will help thwart these severe effects from befalling on the youth of today’s society. Sexting can cause trouble, and, if caught, can hold grim outcomes. If we really want this madness to come to an end, parents must create close relationships with their children.

Works Cited

Feyerick, Deborah, and Sheila Steffen. “’Sexting’ Lands Teen on Sex Offender List.” CNN.com. N.p., 8 Apr. 2009. Web. 25 Apr. 2010.

Hewitt, Bill, and Anne Driscoll. “The Dangers of ‘Sexting.’” People 30 Mar. 2009: 111-112. Web. 21 Apr. 2010.

Kingston, Anne. “The Sexting Scare.” Maclean’s 16 Mar. 2009: 52. Web. 25 Apr. 2010.

Rede, George. “’Sexting’ Solutions: Teach Teens Self-Respect.” The Oregonian 4 Apr. 2009: n. pag. Web. 25 Apr. 2010.

Tapper, Christina. “The Virtual Affair (Sexting).” Essence Mar. 2010: 156. Student Resource Center Gold. Web. 24 Apr. 2010.

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