"Because I Like It? No, They Made Me Do It!!" Why Juveniles Engage In Sexting

• Main Author: Haegele, Jennifer Ann
• Format: Others
• Published: OpenSIUC 2013
• Subjects: Adolescent; Juvenile; Opportunity; Peer Pressure; Routine Activities; Sexting
• Online Access: https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/1105; https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2116&context=theses

Developments in technology have changed the way we do everything; advanced our research capabilities, enhanced our communication abilities and speeds, even the way people commit crimes. It provides perpetrators with a new way to commit traditional crimes as well as new forms of crime. One of the many opportunities involved with increased communication devices is known as sexting. Adolescent sexting has received national and local attention due to possible long-term implications such as registering as a sex offender and even suicide. Sexting, which is considered an antisocial behavior among adolescents, has progressively become implicated in peer pressure as well. Peer pressure causes individuals to commit cruel acts or crimes in which they normally would not do because they are forced, or feel obligated to do so, by their peers. Further study into peer pressure and sexting is needed to discover if peer pressure and opportunity are the reasons why adolescents engage in sexting. To discover this, I surveyed college undergraduate students to determine the causes behind their sexting habits in high school.