Sexting Is Now Called “Normal Dating Behavior”

Source: Matt Roush, "UM Study: Sexting May Be Normal Dating Behavior For Internet Generation," CBS Detroit, 24 July 2012.

Source: Deborah Gordon-Messer, et al, "Sexting Among Young Adults," Journal of Adolescent Health, 24 July 2012.

"For young adults today who were weaned on iPods and the Internet, the practice of “sexting,” or sending sexually explicit photos or messages through phones, may be just another normal, healthy component of modern dating."

Here we have another case of people justifying immoral behavior by saying "everyone is doing it." The fact of the matter is that when people focus on sex and the lust that accompanies it, it does come out in their behavior. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man" (Mark 7:21-23).

A brief scan of earlier studies shows negative conclusions regarding sexting. This brings up the question of why this study claims a neutral impact on behavior.

"The researchers asked study participants about the number of sexual partners with whom they have had unprotected sex. The participants who “sexted” did not report riskier sexual behavior than those who didn’t. Nor did they report more depression, anxiety or low self-esteem, Bauermeister said."

Notice what is missing: There is no mention of whether sex takes place more frequently or engaged sooner because the researchers assume that having sex outside of marriage is normal. They are only concerned whether condoms were used when sex takes place and with how many partners and they find that sex text doesn't make people any more or less cautious. Nor does sex texting make them feel any more or less guilty over the sins they are committing.

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:20-21).

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