Youth nude image sharing and videochatting with online-only contacts

Introduction It is increasingly common for youths to engage in online communication involving sexual image sharing. While prior research has focused on peer sexting or adult solicitation of youths, less is known about youths’ sharing of nude images or engaging in nude videochatting with individuals they know only online. This study examined correlates of these behaviors among American youths. Methods Secondary analyses were conducted from a sample of 1200 American youths aged 9 to 17 years (Mage = 13.5, 50% cisgender boys). Outcomes included sending nude or near-nude images and engaging in private nude or near-nude videochatting with someone only known online. Correlates included youth demographics, risky online behaviors, experiences with sexual solicitation, platform use, and invitations to move from public to private online spaces. Results Seven percent of youths reported sending nude images and 5% reported nude videochatting with someone they only knew online. Regression analyses indicated that flirting, talking about sex, and being solicited for nudes predicted sending nude images, while flirting, talking about sex, and being asked to move to a private chat predicted nude videochatting. Effect sizes ranged from small to moderate. Conclusions Youth nude image sharing with people known only online was most strongly associated with behaviors and interactions rather than demographics or the type of platform used. Identity uncertainty in online interactions can increase youth vulnerability and warrants greater attention in the research and prevention of online exploitation.