Dr. Devinder Singh

With an upsurge in the technology, it has touched almost all aspects of our lives including our relationships. Today, technology has changed the way we interact with each other, no doubt it also helps us by removing the geographical boundries and help us stay close to our loved ones, at least virtually if not physically. One such act of virtual closeness is sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is  a mix of ‘sex’ and ‘texting’, that is when you are sending and receiving texts, images and videos, which are explicit in nature. This may include the following:

1. Nude pictures
2. Sexual pictures
3. Explicit texts and images

Sexting can be exchanged if you share the following kinds of relationship:

• Between two partners in love with each other
• Between partners who are not in relationship
• Between two person where one of them hopes to be in a relationship

What are the reasons for stexting?
There are various reasons why you might want to sext. Such as:

• Anxiety about being portrayed as a shy, rigid and not sexy person
• A constant feeling to showcase one’s sexuality
• Wanting someone’s acceptance
• Being in a romantic and faithful relationship
• Being in a long distance relationship and wanting to have sexual relationship
• Pride in one’s body and wanting to show it off

Why sexting is good for you?

Most of us has done or have had the thought of sending kinky dirty texts or images to his/her partner. These steamy texts and images have proved to improve relationship and increase sexual satisfaction. Now over 80% people are of the opinion that one of the ways to bring about a spark in a relationship is through sexting. While other ways might be scarier, sexting is a much safer way to get indulged for some sexual pleasure if the contents are not shared on social media sites and kept only with the significant other. However, trust is essential while sexting. You obviously do not want to get engaged in sexting with a person you have talked or met once or twice where there is hardly any element of trust. Generally, if two people are sexting with each other, it is implied they share a particular amount of trust.

What are the risks involved in sexting?
While sexting is a good idea to spice things up, it can also be dangerous and can pose some serious consequences. Once the images, texts or videos get into wrong hands, it can take a serious toll on your health, mentally and physically. Few people might only engage in it for bullying others. Sexting can collide with reputation of a person and not just socially, but digitally as well. Sexting can also lead you behind the bars so extreme caution is recommended. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a sexologist.