Psychology & Technology

On October 10, 2012, 15-year old Amanda Todd, resident of British Columbia, Canada committed suicide. The story goes that Todd met a guy online who she was ‘flattered’ by, and so decided to flash her boobs for him over webcam; he took a picture. Subsequently, he asked her to put on a show for him, but she refused which led to the picture the guy took being sent to all Todd’s friends and classmates via Facebook. Todd was severely criticized and bullied for her actions and so turned to drugs to cope. She attempted suicide a couple times well, before finally succeeding (Dean, 2012). The link below shows the video created by Todd before she took her life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej7afkypUsc Things to Keep in Mind Although not everyone who sexts and is exposed ends up committing suicide, it is a possibility as with the unfortunate case of Amanda Todd. Even though it was the bullying that actually led her to commit suicide, the whole thing started after the photo was lea

What is Sexting? Sexting involves the sending and/or receiving of nude pictures electronically. It may take the form of: naked pictures or 'nudes' 'underwear shots' sexual or 'dirty pics' rude text messages or videos (childline, n.d.). Although there is nothing wrong with engaging in such behaviors, provided that the parties involved in the act are over the age of 16 or 18 (dependent on country law) and completely ignoring moral standards, one must be aware of the risks involved, specifically if somehow there is a leak. When sexting goes wrong, persons may experience feelings of unworthiness, embarrassment, guilt, and anxiety, which can lead to depression, and even suicide which was evidenced in Amanda Todd’s case, a 15-year old girl who committed suicide as a result of sexting (will be further elaborated on in my next post) (childline, n.d.). References childline. (n.d.). Sexting. Retrieved from https://www.childli