Ignorance or intent? Motivations and predictive factors for the sending of unsolicited sexual images

A shift in mating behaviours caused by the inception of the internet has enabled new forms of sexual communication, in particular the exchange of graphic images. There is a fundamental lack of empirical research conducted on the origins of and motives for self- taken sexual images, both solicited and unsolicited. The incentives for the sending of such images are unknown, as well as the prevalence of the behaviour in general. Within the purposes of this research project I established the demographic context of sending nude images, identified people's main intentions and consequences, as well as the underlying psychological differences of those who send unrequested sexual images. In order to do so, I created a predictive model for the sending of unsolicited nude images, designed and validated a new scale for measuring attitudes towards sending nudes and provided evidence for gender-based differences when it comes to intentions and perceptions around the sending of self-taken sexual images. This research project provides evidence to suggest the sending of unsolicited graphic images is predicted by psychopathy, self-rated mate value and an accepting attitude towards sending nudes in men, whereas in women it is predicted by narcissism and a liberal attitude towards sending nudes. These gender differences have unique implications, both in terms of their potential to cause harm and regarding their perception by recipients, and should therefore be treated distinctly by governmental and educational institutions.