Sending naked pictures of yourself to people you’re having a sexual relationship with online can add a little spice to the conversation, but at what cost? New reports are saying that nearly all sexually driven photos sent to people online are seen by people the author did not intend them to be seen by.
The New York Times recently did a study on the increasingly popular trend of nude photos leaking online. When the subject of the picture, almost nine of every ten instances the photos were obtained illegally through e-mail or cell phone hacking, but when the subject was a non-famous person who voluntarily sent the photos to someone online, an astonishing 90% of the time, those photos were distributed by the original recipient of them.
With so many men and women alike requesting sexually provocative photos from people they’re dating online, how do you deal with the pressure to take the pictures? If you think you can trust the person, should you send them? What are the chances of them actually leaking online?
According to the Times article, the biggest risk of your photos being seen by others is because until there is an offline emotional bond, or once the relationship has come to a close, the recipients no longer feel it’s their responsibility to keep the photos private, and they often share them with others. The second biggest risk is the increasing popularity of online websites targeted towards sharing nude photos that were texted or e-mailed to people.
Websites like Is Anyone Up are designed to show every day girls and the naked photos of them that they’ve sent to people. The site boasts that a majority of the pictures were obtained from vengeful ex-boyfriends who are looking to embarrass their former loves. The site is a strong visual as to the consequences of sending naked pictures of yourself to people you meet online, but even more so shows people that you need to be cautious sending naked pictures to even the people that you trust the most. Although it may seem that your current relationship will be never ending, it’s impossible to tell what the future holds. From a potential break-up to the possibility of them forwarding the picture to gain bragging rights with their friends, you can never have full confidence that the pictures won’t be seen by others.
So what are some things you can do if you want to send a sexual photo without having to fully take the risk?
- Keep it rated R, not rated XXX
A sexy picture of yourself doesn’t mean a naked picture of yourself. Taking a picture in a sexy dress or your new summer bathing suit can turn someone on just as much as a nude photo would. Get to know what your man likes– Heels, low-cut tops, even work out gear! Every man has a ‘look’ that turns him on. Instead of stripping down for your sexy picture, dress up! If he has a favorite sports team, there’s no doubt he’d go wild for a picture of you wearing just his team’s jersey. Will it show any private body parts? No, but it will be just as sexy! - Don’t show your face
If you feel it’s absolutely necessary for you to send a picture showing a lot of skin, then make sure you’re showing no face. If the picture is a simple shot of your breasts or your backside, don’t have your face or any other defining characteristics in the frame– It will allow you to deny that the photo is you if it’s ever released publicly. Have a tattoo that people know about? A unique birth mark? Any sort of physical defining feature? Keep them out of the photo! - Send a picture of someone else!
The intention with naked pictures is mostly stemmed from the senders desire to turn on the recipient of the photo, but who says the picture that turns them on has to be of you? Sending a picture of your new lingerie and asking, ‘Want to see me in this tonight?’ or a picture of two people in a unique sexual position and stating, ‘This is something I’d love to try’ will turn him on just as much as a naked picture of yourself would!
Never send a naked picture because you feel pressured into it, and if you do, keep these important tips in mind!