Sexting

As a consequence of advances in mobile technologies, people were provided the ability to send text messages via cellular telephones. As mobile technologies continued to evolve, the “texting” of images and video became readily available as well. While most messages are benign, the act of sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos via cellular telephone has been dubbed “sexting.” The practice can be dangerous because the images are explicit and sent in real time. New technologies present opportunities to disseminate widely one's private conversations or images, a practice in which the original party has no control.

Although sexting is legal among consenting adults, the behavior among teenagers has become a significant concern. In some instances, sexting is seen as high-tech flirting, whereas in other, more disturbing ...