Too much sexting is bad for your relationship

In the early 2000s, sexting came onto the scene. The combination of sex and texting is becoming very popular and sending photos is becoming a central component. In 2023, around 77% of respondents aged 19 and over have sent a sext, while around 88% have received a sext. A little sexting in a relationship can add more tension, especially when it involves long-distance courtship. But if you don't play your cards right, the same texts can backfire, destroying your relationship. According to research, there is such a thing as too much virtual dirty talk.

The Fresh Toast – More people do it than you can imagine, but too much sexting is bad for your relationship

“Hyper-sexters,” as they are called, are the worst offenders. And despite being the most sexually satisfied, according to a new study from the University of Alberta, these horny texters' romantic relationships are suffering in other ways.

Researchers surveyed 615 Canadian and American adults, all in relationships, about their sexting habits. The analyzes revealed four different groups of sexters: non-sexters (71.5 percent), word-only sexters (14.5 percent), frequent sexters (8.5 percent), and hyper-sexters (5.5 percent). The researchers then compared these groups based on several factors that would indicate well-being and technology-related behavior.

According to the study:

Frequent and hyper-sexters reported greater sexual satisfaction but did not differ significantly in relationship satisfaction from non-sexters or word-only sexters. In addition, frequent and hypersexual sexters scored lower on other relationship variables (e.g., attachment security, commitment, ambivalence, and conflict) than non-sexters or word-only sexters and exhibited more media and pornography consumption and technoference in face-to-face interactions with theirs Partners and infidelity-related behavior on social media.

The study's lead author, Adam Galovan, said sexting does not appear to be a feature of a healthy relationship. “My interpretation is that sexters focus more on the sexual part of their relationship and may neglect other areas.”

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In other words, using a distant form of communication as a substitute for actual face-to-face interaction isn't exactly the recipe for a healthy, nurturing relationship.

Galovan said:

These people want to achieve the end goal – a good relationship – without having to do the hard work of talking, listening, and spending quality time together. It’s the culture of instant gratification – we want it now. But it's what you do to achieve that goal that actually makes a good relationship.

Previous research has shown that sexting is quite common in society: “58 percent of college students admit to having sent at least one sext, and 62 percent say they have received one.” And what a red flag for both partners could be: Men were more likely to sext with a casual partner, while women preferred to sext with someone they were exclusive with.

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If you are in a healthy relationship where trust has been built, have sex. However, be sure to pay just as much attention to all other aspects of your relationship. Sexting cannot replace the warm things.