Reflection 08-A: Dirty Pictures—The Practice of "Sexting"

Is sexting just sexy fun or are you playing with fire?

As with all new technologies, people have quickly adapted cell phone cameras to a variety of sexual applications. In this case, "sexting" is the practice of exchanging sexually explicit images of oneself or messages via texts or emails. And if some surveys are to be believed, it is becoming increasingly prevalent in America, especially amongst the young. Law enforcement, educators, and parents are increasingly alarmed by the sexting "epidemic" and the actions of, often under-age, teens who engage in this practice without fully considering the consequences. Some authorities have even gone so far as to charge some under-age teens with possession of child pornography. But is sexting truly an epidemic or simply the 21st century equivalent of explicit love letters? What are the long term ramifications of this practice? Decades from now, are we likely to see political candidates defending photos they took in their youth? Will anyone still care? Or could provocative pictures you take now cost you a job in the future? Finally, is there such a thing as a "smart" way to sext photos of yourself?

Include at least two of the following pieces in your discussion: 

• "The Urge to Sext Naked Self-Portraits is Primal" (Wired)
• "Which is Epidemic—Sexting or Worrying about It? (Wall Street Journal)
• "'Sexting' Common Among Teens: Survey" (Yahoo! News)
• "Sexting Among Teens Means Risk" (Mashable)
• "Teen Sexting No One's Business?" (Philadelphia Inquirer) 
• "Practice Safe Sexting: 8 Ways to Hit 'Send' Without Regret" (GirlsGuideTo)

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: Thursday, Dec. 6th