That good old sext(h)ing: the effect of face/[less] value and sharing behaviour of a sexting picture on perceived legitimacy, risk and sharing risk

The present study focused on the public perception of a sexting picture. Attraction (sexual and physical), Arousal (sexual), Evaluation (semantic differential), Perceived legitimacy, perceived risk and perceived sharing risk of participants (N=181) on a sexting picture were measured using an online 2x3 experimental design; sharing scenario (consensual, non-consensual, only shared with one person) versus Pose (with face and without face). Significant effects were found for scenario on perceived legitimacy and perceived sharing risk, as well as for faceless posing on evaluation and perceived risk. Because of a sext’s social goals and private nature the scenario (sharing setting) wherein and anonymity of the person portrayed on it influence the evaluation, perceived legitimacy, perceived risk and perceived sharing risk of the viewer. Keywords: Sexting, Online experiment, Perceived legitimacy, Perceived (Sharing) Risk, Sharing Scenario, Pose, SEIM, Evaluation, Information Privacy, Violation.