One in Five US Teens Has Had "Tech Sex": Study

An online survey commissioned by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (NCTUP) found "tech sex" -- sending or receiving racy images or messages via text, e-mail or instant messaging -- is common among US teens and young adults.

The poll was conducted in September and October. Of the 1,280 teens and young adults up to age 26 who participated, more than half said they had received a sexually suggestive message, and one in five said they shared that message with a third person. One in five teens reported having sent nude or partially clothed images of themselves to someone, and double that number said they sent sexually suggestive messages.

According to NCTUP, 38 percent of teens say exchanging racy content makes dating or physical sex with others more likely, and three in 10 say doing so carries expectations "to hook up."

"That so many young people say technology is encouraging an even more casual, hook-up culture is reason for concern, given the high rates of teen and unplanned pregnancy in the United States," said NCTUP senior adviser Marisa Nightingale.

Eight in 10 teens agreed with the statement that they would be concerned about sending a suggestive image or message because they "might regret it later," while almost 70 percent worried it could "disappoint family."

Back to other news for December 2008