Sexting in young adults’ social networks in Brazil: an exploratory study on the circulation of nudes

Abstract Objective Investigate practices related to the circulation of nudes and potential suffering factors in connection with them, considering the Brazilian adult population between 18 and 26 years old. Method Exploratory research was performed using a mixed method of concomitant triangulation. Participants (N = 94) aged 18 to 26 years old were recruited on the Internet using the Snowball method. Calls were sent through social apps (i.e., Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Grindr) and e-mail. Instruments were (a) online questionnaire and (b) Internet Addiction Test. Quantitative results were described and statistically correlated, while qualitative results were subjected to content analysis. Data was collected during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Results A negative statistical correlation between Problematic Internet Use and body satisfaction was found, with 4 thematic categories emerging in qualitative data: (1) feeling of being pressured, (2) nudes as a condition for further social contact, (3) conformity to body standards and (4) fear of undue exposure and loss of control. Conclusion Two theme areas were discussed: (a) undue exposure, where the pressure of sending nudes and the possibility of exposure without consent are negatively perceived, and (b) relationship with body satisfaction, where sending nudes may maintain self-gratification dynamics. Undue exposure was found to be more frequent between non-heterosexual men, which may point to a body centrality in on-line sexual practices in this group. Implications with data security and privacy were discussed and suggestions for future investigations were provided.