Do individuals interpret sexting as an indicator of sexual intent and sexual consent?

Abstract

Miscommunications caused by ambiguous consent practices increase the risk of sexual assault. However, minimal research has investigated the interpretation of sexually ambiguous behaviors that occur through electronic communication. This study fills a gap in sexual communication literature by examining perceptions of sexting as a means of communicating sexual intent and sexual consent. The study also examined the effects of gender and sexual precedence on perceptions of sexual intent and consent, in light of their influence on sexual communication. Using a factorial vignette design, 1483 U.S. college students were randomly assigned to one of four scenarios regarding a sexual encounter between two heterosexual individuals with suggestive texting/sexting and/or sexual precedence (i.e., previous sexual involvement), followed by measures that assessed perceptions of sexual intent and consent. Sexting was commonly conceptualized as a form of communicating sexual intent and consent. Male-identifying participants perceived a higher likelihood of sexual consent being exchanged through sexts than female-identifying participants. Sexual precedence increased perceived sexual intent and sexual consent ratings. Results suggest that while sexting was mutually viewed as a signal of sexual intent, there are gender differences in perceptions of sexual consent. Further, the influence of sexual precedence on sexual communication was present via electronic communication. These results offer important implications for sexual assault prevention programs that are situated within modern, technology-mediated means of sexual communication.