Most often, when talking about sexting – the sending of sexy texts and images by phone or instant messaging services – the media tends to focus on the problem of teenagers. There’s plenty to be worried about in terms of privacy and the possibility of your candid photos reaching a far greater audience than you ever thought or expected. There’s no denying though, especially in these days of faster communications, long distance relationships and faster pace of life that sexting is often a fun way of spicing up relationships.
Some new research this week has shown however that sexting has become much more acceptable, and not just with youngsters. It seems that, just as we saw the rise of the ‘silver surfer’ – older people taking up the internet both to keep up with their kids and pursue their own hobbies and interests – we’re seeing a similar rise in older sexters. An estimated thirty one percent of people aged fifty or over now admit to sexting. These figures seem to be consistent both among those who report having tried it once or twice, and those who do it on a regular basis.
It’s not just an Australian phenomenon either. A number of surveys and reports over the last couple of years are reporting that world-wide, more older people are sexting, and it’s not just limited to people who are actively dating. Couples in long-term relationships are just as likely to use it as another avenue for flirtation as people in the first flush and rush of getting to know each other.
Even more interestingly, a breakdown of people’s survey responses seems to indicate that Australian women send more sexts than men, with both genders enjoying it and viewing it as harmless fun. Many people are finding it reassuring to find a way to discretely send and receive flirty and sexy messages across a number of media – citing the buzz of excitement of being able to read them wherever they are and at any time.
Not everyone is as keen on the idea though – and as with any way of sharing your information with other people our best advice to people is to keep on using your common sense about how you sext and with who. Sexting – whether by phone or by using our site’s messaging service – is a great tool to help you keep in touch and get to know each other, but stay safe – even if some people might think you’re old enough to know better.