On one hand, sexting can tear apart your career and vaporize your credibility. (Not naming names, but you can probably think of a few politicians…) And on the other, sexting can seriously amplify the sexual satisfaction in your relationship—at least that’s what researchers from the American Psychological Association say.
Sexting, for the purpose of their recently published study, was defined as sending or receiving sexually explicit or suggestive content via text messaging. Researchers asked 870 men and women between the ages of 18 and 82 to assess their sexting behaviors, motives, and relationship and sexual satisfaction via an online survey.
Turns out, 88 percent of participants reported having sexted (!), and 82 percent admitted to sexting in the past year. About 75 percent of these men and women said they sent these messages while in a committed relationship.
Perhaps even more surprising than the sheer number of sexters these days is how it impacts the releationship between sexter and “sextee”. While the level of sexual satisfaction reported by those in relationships was higher, the 26 percent of participants who identified themselves as “single” had significantly lower overall scores of gratification.
What’s more, the men and women who sexted more saw the somewhat taboo behavior as being “fun” and “carefree,” and were more likely to believe that sexting was expected in their relationship. Just exercise some common sense. If you’re in a high profile position, keep your private thoughts private. Some things are better left unsaid—or, rather, unsent.
