Many teens continue to feel pressured to try drinking, drugs, and sex, but recently a new trend has been in fashion: sexting.

The majority of us are familiar with alcohol, drugs, and sex, but what exactly is sexting?

“Sexting is all about getting the nude pictures. Without the pictures it is just dirty talk, and those pictures surely stimulate more senses,” said Jake, 17, who attends Clayton High School. Like other teens in this story, he agreed to speak with Ohr Chadash on the basis that his real name not be used because of the sensitive nature of the material.

The commonly known definition of sexting is sending nude pictures via text message. However, in the sexting world, the definition is quite loose. Teens have defined sexting as engaging in some sort of photographical conversation,

where body parts are not explicitly shown, or just sending sexually arousing messages.

“I realized that the pictures I had sent were never full-on nude pictures. They were always revealing, and held a sex appeal,” Katie, 15, said.

Sexting has recently appeared in pop culture as well. “I need to see a picture of you. A special picture just for me, yeah. So take a dirty picture for me. Take a dirty picture,” sing Taio Cruz and Ke$ha in their hit song, “Picture.”

The prevalence of sexting in the modern world could contribute to its appeal, but some teens see other motivations to sext.

“I think most people are curious

about what sexting really is. I know I was when I began doing it. My friends would always say that they felt really dirty doing it, but it was enjoyable,”

said Mariah, a 17-year-old Ladue high school student.

In an informal survey of 30 adolescents in the St. Louis region, 10 girls and 12 boys admitted to understanding why someone would sext, while less than half of the group admitted to being involved in sexting. They all believed that sexting is either a result of hormones or peer pressure.

“I began sexting after hearing that my friends did it. At first I was unsure of myself, but I soon came to see that it really helped with my confidence. Many boys expect a lot of action and this way it shows them the body without having to get physical,” said Katie, who attends Lafayette High School.

Researchers have formed their own conclusions

about this new trend. According to www.rodale.com, Debby Herbenick, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana State University, said, “Sexting can be a form of identity exploration and expression. Teenagers are often trying to figure out who they are, how to express their feelings, and how to connect with friends or people they have romantic feelings for. It is not surprising that sexting is one of the many ways that teenagers explore.”

While some believe sexting may be positive

for the two people engaging in the activity,

what happens if the sext spreads? That revealing picture, which is only meant to reach one person, could be posted

on the Internet or passed around among peers.

“Sexting is inappropriate because you never know what the other person could do with your picture. Most of my friends send sexts to people that they do not know that well,” said Joe, 16, who goes to Parkway Central High.

According to www.wiredsaftey.org, expert Parry Aftab, a lawyer who specializes in Internet and privacy issues claims on ABC News, said, “44 percent of the high school boys that we have polled have seen at least one naked picture of a female classmate, and the boys are sharing their pictures too.”

This type of exposure could lead to constant harassment and embarrassment. Moreover, the two involved may even be charged with production

or distribution of child pornography. In several

states, including Missouri, sexting is illegal. Adolescents throughout the nation have faced felony charges for this activity.

“I stopped sexting after hearing about how all of these teens face charges, even if it was between two people that were in a serious relationship,”

Jake said. “But, I enjoyed the experience

and I don’t regret it.”

Maybe teens want to express their sexuality, avoid having sex, or are just curious. However, before teens engage in this activity they should remember that the consequences can be severe.