Safer Sexting Strategies in Technology-Mediated Sexual Interactions: Findings from a National Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction While there is extensive research on safer sex, few studies have investigated safer sexting practices. The main objective of this study is to examine the range of security behaviors that individuals adopt in technology-mediated sexual interactions. Methods Three studies collected data on social safety, concealment strategies, and technical security in technology-mediated sexual interactions from participants aged 14–75 in Austria and Germany in 2020 and 2022 (Ntotal = 13,070). Patterns in the data were identified via descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results The most common precautions of people who used safer sexting strategies were hiding one’s face (46%), only engaging with digital sex partners that are personally known (41%), and negotiating boundaries of consensual sexting (29%). Binomial regression results show that a sexual minority identity, BDSM preference, frequent contact with sexual communities, and prior experiences of unwanted sexting were associated with adopting a wider variety of safer sexting practices. Conclusions The results suggest that the safety strategies used in technology-mediated sexual interactions vary across social groups. Social context factors such as community involvement are associated with the likelihood of safer sexting. Policy Implications Knowledge about safer sexting helps minimize harm in technology-mediated sexual interactions. Safer sexting messages aimed at reducing risk and shame should be included as part of community-based safer sexting education and should be tailored to specific target groups including LGBTIQA+ individuals. Policymakers should support interventions that enhance those social environmental factors that contribute to building trust and consent in technology-mediated sexual interactions.