Channel Affordances for Sexting: Social Presence Relates to Improved Self-Esteem, Sexual Gratification, and Sexting Certainty

Sexting involves the sharing of sexually explicit material, including photos and text-based messages, with another person via smartphones and computers. This study investigated how perceived affordances of various channels used in sexting related to outcomes from sexting. A sample of 174 U.S. adults completed a survey about their sexting behaviors and outcomes, including self-esteem and sexual gratification. Most adults engaged in sexting via text-based messaging, though they also reported using photo messaging, Snapchat, and video messaging. Results reveal differences in perceived affordances based on one’s most recently used channel to sext; differences in perceived affordances related to self-esteem outcomes and sexual outcomes, including orgasm; and differences in one’s level of uncertainty about sexting with a partner based on channel affordances. Perceived social presence of a channel related to increases in self-esteem and sexual gratification, whereas perceived editability of a channel related to a greater sense of control over one’s sexual materials.