88% of American Adults Guilty of Sexting: Study

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder" and that's partially why sexting exists. In today's society and culture, being apart no longer hinders two people to be intimate with each other. Sexting, which is defined as the act of sending someone sexually explicit messages or photographs via mobile phones, has almost become a norm, with parents concerned about this trend among teenagers. What's surprising, though, is that a recent study showed that sexting is no longer for teens, but something even adults do to achieve sexual satisfaction.

According to the L.A. Times, a group of researchers led by Emily Stasko, a doctoral student in psychology at Drexel University, and Pamela A. Geller, a professor who runs the Women’s Health Psychology Lab at Drexel, found that "sexting is a prevalent behavior that adults engage in for a variety of reasons. These findings indicate a robust relationship between sexting and sexual satisfaction."

The study involved a survey of 870 heterosexual adults aged 18 to 82, whith group average age of 35. The results of the study showed that 88% of the respondents had sexted at least once in their lives, and 82% had sexted within the last year. Additionally, 98% of respondents said they would endorse the practice of sexting.

Patti Britton, a clinical sexologist and interim dean of the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, told the L.A. Times: "I actually recommend sexting—particularly the texting part of sexting—for [couples] to show desire for each other. I use it as a homework assignment, when I have couples who are stale or their relationship is what I would call ‘sexually dead on arrival.'"

She added: “Using the online world creates a way for them to find steppingstones or building blocks to reconnect in an erotic or a sexual way.”

If you're keen on sexting, the Huffington Post recommends a few tips, unless you want to end up like the latest politician or celebrity entangled in a sext scam.

Sex and relationship expert Tracey Cox told the Huffington Post: "Even the nicest guy won’t be able to resist showing off if you look hot. Keep it erotic rather than pornographic and remember a hint of something can be far sexier than showing everything."

However, choose carefully who to sext with, as it may easily go awry after an argument or breakup. People have been known to publish sexual images of their partners as revenge for a broken relationship.

Cox recommended: "It is most appropriate when you’re involved with someone seriously and you're emotionally close enough to know that they will accept it and not forward it on. It is definitely not a good idea early in a relationship and/or if you don’t know someone very well or send it as joke."