Teen Sexting, Nudes, and Intimate Images Research Mistakes
TL:DR
- Youth can define sexting and nude imagery very differently.
- Researchers need to clarify the difference between full-nude and semi-nude images in their reports and questions to youth.
- Always evaluate the relevancy and accuracy of statistical results.
- “X% of Teens are sexting” What type of sexting research is being conducted? – It is not al the same.
The distribution of intimate images, commonly referred to as “sexting” or “nudes,” poses significant social challenges that have become a popular topic of discussion among students, parents, safety experts, and news media. At The White Hatter, we are committed to comprehensively understanding the nuanced behaviors in the digital world by combining experience, research, and reasoning to draw conclusions. However, it is unfortunate that some information sources do not consider the totality of evidence and selectively ignore facts that may modify or directly contradict their conclusions. Such inaccuracies may result from simple mistakes, limitations in time and resources, or even deliberate manipulation.
While statistics are excellent tools for providing a quick snapshot of the world, they can sometimes fail to capture the nuanced complexities that impact everyday life. The primary limitation of statistics is that they are only as reliable as the underlying data. Good researchers understand that correlation does not equal causation; just because two variables appear to be related, it does not necessarily mean that one is causing the other. For instance, the rate of ice cream sales may coincide with an increase in homicide rates, but that does not mean that ice cream consumption is causing this type of crime. Careful consideration of other evidence sources is necessary to arrive at an accurate conclusion.
Researchers should exercise caution when asking youth about sensitive topics such as “nudes” or other aspects of human sexuality, intimate relationships, or the law. Developing youths may not possess the necessary cognitive or emotional maturity to fully understand these complex issues. This can include other social contexts beyond their family or lived experience. For example, how some kids may struggle with understanding how a different family can have different rules or how there are different family structures beyond the traditional nuclear family. It is important to note that sexual education classes and sexual health practitioners exist to guide youth during potentially confusing times and provide answers to their questions. These professionals possess specialized training and knowledge to navigate these sensitive issues in a safe and supportive manner. Therefore, it is important for researchers to consider the potential risks and harms that may result from asking youth about these topics and to approach such research with appropriate ethical considerations and sensitivity.
When reviewing research reports about teen sexting rates, it is common for researchers to ask questions such as “Have you sent or received a sext?” or “Have you sent or received a nude?” However, relying solely on these types of questions can pose significant challenges, particularly when asking younger individuals who are still in the process of developing their understanding of sexuality. There is a risk that the questionnaire participant may not fully comprehend the meaning of the terms “sexting” or “nude,” leading to inaccurate or misleading data. This is especially important because not all teens may define sexting or nudes in the same way. As a result, researchers should exercise caution when using these types of questions and take appropriate steps to ensure that participants understand the terms being used in the questionnaire. This may include providing clear definitions or examples of these terms and engaging with participants in a supportive and sensitive manner.
At The White Hatter, we have found that relying solely on simple questions about sexting rates among teens can be challenging. Our experience as digital literacy, safety, and privacy educators working with youth has shown that many teens may not fully understand the definitions of terms like “sexting” or “nudes.” We have encountered many situations where teens have reached out to us for help because a naked image of them was being shared, only to find out that the image in question was actually semi-nude. These types of images, such as bathing suits or underwear pictures, have clear distinctions from full nudes that show genitalia.
During Q&A periods in our various White Hatter digital literacy programs, we have also received direct questions from teens on sensitive topics, including:
- “Are feet pics illegal?”
- “is only fans illegal”
- “Is it illegal to have a sugar daddy”
- “Do feet pics count as nudes”
- “Would non-image sexual texts be considered porn?”
- “What if you have nudes from someone whos dead”
- “Is it illegal to sell thigh pics?”
- “legal to have a child hentai collection”
- “If your parents have a baby picture of you nude and you want them to delete it and they refuse, is that illegal on their part?”
- “regarding requesting nudes – some questions around requesting pictures of feet and other body parts that some deem as sexual”
- “what is sexting”
- “If you sent a picture that could be considered sexualized/suggestive (but isn’t technically a nude) and you want the person to delete it, would you be protected by the law?”
- “What if an artistic nude was sent to people?”
- “Is a swimsuit pic considered a nude?”
It is evident from the questions we have received from teens and those who have reached out to us for help that not every youth defines nude images in the same way. Some may consider semi-nudes, feet pictures, drawings, bathing suits, or underwear as nude, while others may have a different understanding of the term. This is why asking simple questions like “Have you received or sent a sext?” or “Have you received or sent a nude picture?” can lead to variations in the data collected and potentially mislead statistical results.
We have found that some organizations conducting their own research on teen sexting rates may not have thoroughly considered the nuances of the issue. When we asked for their list of questions to peer review, we were ignored or denied access to the information. It is essential for researchers to carefully consider their questioning methods and ensure that their data collection accurately reflects the intended research goals. Additionally, researchers should be open to feedback and peer review to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.
It is critical for researchers to ensure that their data collection methods are clear and unambiguous, especially when dealing with sensitive topics such as teen sexting. Failure to do so can result in misleading statistical results that do not accurately reflect the reality of the situation. For example, if a headline suggests that 14% of teens are sexting or sending nudes, it is essential to provide the questions that were asked and to make clear what is meant by the term “nudes” (1). Without this information, it is unclear what percentage of the reported 14% are sending full nude images versus semi-nudes or other forms of content that may not meet the traditional definition of a nude.
Researchers should take care to define their terms clearly and provide context for their findings. This can help to ensure that their data collection methods are accurate and that the resulting statistics are meaningful and useful. Additionally, researchers should be transparent in their methods and provide access to their data so that their findings can be peer-reviewed and scrutinized for accuracy. By taking these steps, researchers can ensure that their work is credible and contributes to a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding teen sexting.
Researchers have a responsibility to accurately represent the data they collect and report on. It’s important for researchers to ensure that the questions they ask are clear and the definitions used are understood by the participants. It’s also important for researchers to avoid biases in their studies and to be transparent about their methods and results. Publicly funded researchers have a responsibility to produce unbiased research that serves the public good. Private or industry-funded research can be valuable as long as it’s conducted ethically and with transparency. Ultimately, research on sensitive topics like youth sexuality must be approached with sensitivity and care to ensure accurate results.
It is important to acknowledge that there are researchers out there who are doing their due diligence and taking the time to clearly define terms and ask specific questions in their research studies. These researchers are providing more accurate and nuanced data that can better inform policies and programs related to youth sexting and the distribution of intimate images. These studies may not receive as much attention or coverage in the media because their reported numbers are often lower than those that combine all types of images under one definition. Nonetheless, it is crucial that we acknowledge and support these researchers who are striving for accuracy and precision in their work.
Either with honest mistakes, lack of resources, or intentional statistical manipulation to serve an end goal, when presented with research:
- Never assume a statistical result is the whole truth and can be applied to every person.
- Are research questions being answered understood the same way by all participants?
- What information is missing from a research report and why?
- Are requests for any missing research data or the questionnaire respected?
The White Hatter
Reference
(1) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/one-in-seven-teens-are-sexting-new-research-finds/
