Sexting Among the Filipino Youth

Abstract

The study explored the phenomenon of sexting as perceived and/or experienced by unmarried young Filipino males and females aged 15 to 24 years from Metro Manila. The study design included an initial community survey of 211 young Filipino males and females and in-depth interviews with selected survey respondents. The results indicated that sexting is widely known and considered as prevalent by the young Filipinos. It often occurs within intimate relationships (between girlfriend/boyfriend) but it can also occur without it, as long as the parties involved consent to it and are responsible for their own actions. Of the 211 young Filipinos surveyed, 56.9% reported that they have received or sent sexual messages through mobile phone. Of this number, 44 have only received, 4 have only sent, and 72 have both received and sent. Most commonly sent and received were text messages indicating finding the individual beautiful/ handsome, liking, and wanting him/her; images of the face, the chest/breasts, and the genitals; and, videos of undressing, feeling or touching the genitals, and masturbation. Aside from their phone's basic short message service program, facebook messenger was mainly used. The most cited source of information on sexting are the media (internet), peers, classmates, and friends. Although many are opposed to this kind of activity because of its many possible negative consequences, many still are those who find it acceptable, even beneficial, one way or another. This reflects a liberalizing attitude of the youth towards sex-related activity. Recommendations were made to include more participants in the study to verify the accuracy of the information and to strengthen or enrich education on sex and on the responsible use of the internet and mass media at home and in the school.