A research paper published in the journal Sexual Health has unveiled that though majority of those indulging in sexting expect their messages to remain private, one in four share them.

Study’s lead researcher Justin Garcia from the Kinsey Institute said that they have assessed sexting attitudes and behaviors, including sending, receiving and sharing such messages and images. These factors were evaluated in a group of 5,805 single adults aged between 21 and 75.

Study researchers have defined sexting as the transmission of sexual images and messages through mobile phones and other electrical devices. Out of the total, nearly one in five, 21%, reported sending sext messages and 28% reported receiving sexually explicit text messages.

The researchers have said that 16% have reported about sending sexual photos and over 23% have reported of receiving sexual photos. Maximum sexting takes place between couples having established relationship.

Those who sent the messages, 66% of men and 78% of women did the act to flirt with their partners. Sexting has been found to be quite common among youngsters. Men were having 1.5 times more chances than women to send a sex-related text.

In the study, 73% of the participants did not feel comfortable to share the sex-related messages beyond the intended recipient. But those who received sext photo, 23% have reported sharing them with others.

Those who received them and shared with others did so with an average of over three friends. Garcia said was of the view, “That finding suggests that the real risk of sexting is the potential for nonconsensual sharing of sext messages”.

Most of the participants, between 60 and 74%, believe that sexting could negatively impact their reputation, career, self-esteem and current relationships and friendships.