Oracle of Wisdom Journal of Philosophy and Public Affairs

The present study investigated associations between sexually explicit text materials (sexting) via social media and engagement in risky sexual activity among emerging female adolescents of senior secondary school age in Nsukka Urban Area. The research was to determine how online sexting and social media activity was linked with physical risky sexual behaviours. The participants were 145 female senior students from five public secondary school in NsukkaUrban Area, comprises SS2 and SS3 students. The students in their classroom, completed survey questionnaire assessing demographic information, use of technology, sexting activity, and risky sexual behaviours. Most participants reported sexting with their boyfriends and casual friends. The results indicated that sexting is used to maintain online relationship. The results also shown that sexting was associated with an increase in the number of sexual partners and, sexting behaviour was associated with unprotected sexual intercourse. However, as interactions in online settings become more common within romantic relationship, attitudes towards conventional, unconventional, and riskier sexual behaviours become more positive. Thus, the research findings are useful in understanding the role of smartphones on sexting with regard to public health care and safe sex education among emerging female adolescents in Nsukka Urban Area.

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