The bright side of sexting: A scoping review on its benefits

Sexting behaviour is mostly viewed from a negative perspective. In response to this negative perspective, and in line with calls for a shift towards a more sex-positive approach, this paper provides a scoping review of what is known about the benefits of sexting. Based on a thematic analysis of the content of 70 scientific papers on the benefits of sexting, three main themes were identified: 1) individual benefits resulting from the sexting act itself (i.e., sexual exploration and experimentation, sexual pleasure and non-sexual pleasure), 2) individual benefits resulting from the reaction of the sexting partner (i.e., body image and self-image, sexual agency and validation), and, 3) relational benefits of sexting (i.e., sexual and emotional connectedness, sexting as a way to build bridges). The benefits of sexting are linked to theoretical frameworks related to both the online and offline (sexual) worlds. This paper illustrates how sexting is an online extension of offline sexuality that includes both positive and negative aspects. It is important that also the benefits of sexting receive more attention in research and society, as this will contribute to healthier, more nuanced and more accurate discourses on sexting.