Friend or foe: misuse of trust online
As our relationships move further online, the misuse of intimate photos, videos, and messages shared digitally has become prevalent, impacting people of all ages. Not only can sexting result in legal consequences, but it also can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of those involved.
Recent statistics from ESET’s Think Twice survey shed light on the disturbing prevalence of online abuse linked to the sharing of intimate content.
0%
REPORTED MISUSE OF THEIR PHOTOS OR VIDEOS
0%
OF THESE INSTANCES INVOLVED PUBLIC POSTING
Of those surveyed, 28% reported the misuse of their photos or videos, with a notable spike to 41% within the 25-34 age group. Shockingly, 34% of these instances involved public posting, while 25% faced threats of online exposure. This misuse can have a detrimental impact on the victim, with 46% feeling embarrassment, 45% anger, and 37% disappointment.
0%
SHARED WITH CLASSMATES OR FRIENDS
Nearly three-quarters of those aged 12-17 regret sending an intimate photo or video of themselves. But shockingly, a quarter of respondents who have sexted, sent them to someone they only knew from the internet, whereas 42% shared them with classmates or friends.
0%
OF VICTIMS CONSIDERED INVOLVING THE POLICE
Only 32% of victims would consider involving the police in the cases of their photo or video being misused. The majority opt for alternative measures such as reporting to site administrators, confiding in friends or parents, or even choosing not to contact anyone at all. This can result in many cases of online abuse going undetected by the police and authorities, and therefore no consequences for the offending parties.
0%
REPORTED RECEIVING INTIMATE PHOTOS
0%
TOLD SOMEONE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE MESSAGES
A distressing 31% reported receiving unsolicited intimate photos, videos or messages. 51% blocked the sender, 27% told someone they knew, 12% contacted institutions or reporting bodies, and 10% started talking to the sender. With such high numbers of people receiving unwanted sexts, and such a small proportion of this going unreported, the senders and malicious users of this content are getting away with causing unfair stress and harm to those involved.
The first step to reducing the negative impacts sexting can create is to ensure that everyone has the support and knowledge they need to make informed choices about what they are sending, and who they are sending to online.
