COLUMN: Has Sexting Become a Social Norm?

Nude pictures have become a bigger issue, and consequences are few and far between

COLUMN: Has Sexting Become a Social Norm?

Jordan Staten and Paige Elizabeth
September 11, 2014

Have you ever wondered how much privacy you really have? Every single day, millions of naked pictures are sent out by males and females of all ages, from all around the world. Every single one of these pictures takes the risk of being sent even further, to the public. In recent years, it seems as though taking a naked picture of yourself and sending it out via text message, email, social media, etc., has become more acceptable within society.  The debate over whether or not naked pictures being released to the public is an issue with responsibility or invasion of privacy is one that teens, parents, and people of all ages take very seriously. Just recently, hundreds of private photos from a number of female celebrities were leaked by hackers to the messaging board 4chan. Among these celebrities were Kate Upton and Jennifer Lawrence.

In 2010, Illinois passed a law that made sexting between minors illegal. If two minors are caught sexting or a minor distributes sexually explicit images of another minor, each would be charged with a misdemeanor and could be ordered to receive court supervision or perform community service. It seems as though the spread of sexually explicit photos have become even more popular than before this law was passed.
 
When does this spread become a major issue? One large reason as to why this is such an issue is because suicidal attempts and successes are becoming more and more common as a result of personal pictures being spread to the public. Not only can invasion of privacy lead to embarrassment, guilt, and regret, but it has often led to much more serious circumstances such as suicidal thoughts and attempts among teens.
 
This issue should be one that is addressed in a very serious manor in grade schools, high schools, and colleges all around the country. Society has given young girls the idea that sexting is not considered wrong.
These recent issues make you wonder about how much privacy you truly have. When it comes to sexting, no one is safe.

The only way one can truly protect themselves from not being caught sexting is to simply not do it. Consider the consequences before you hit send, and most of all, have self respect.

“I would rather be alone with dignity than in a relationship that requires me to sacrifice my self respect.” -Unknown