8 In 10 Adults Have Engaged In THIS Sexy Mating Ritual

In this digital age, couples (and non-couples) have adapted into keeping the fire alive through digital methods. The most well-known method is sexting, defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "the sending of sexually explicit messages or images by cell phone."

But according to Drexel clinical psychology PhD student Emily C. Stasko, sexting, especially amongst teens, is often associated with risky behavior such as sexual harassment and unwanted sexual advances. 

So, Stasko and her co-researchers at Drexel University’s Women’s Health Psychology Lab conducted an online survey to look at benefits of sexting on adults and adult relationships, according to CNN.

"Most of the research on sexting relates to teens and young adults," Stasko said in an interview with CNN. "We wanted to see the role sexting plays in relationships between adults."

88 percent of the 870 adult responders (between the ages of 18 and 82, 57.7 percent female and 80.6 percent white) said they'd sexted at least once.

Another 82 percent said that they had sexted in the past year, according to a press release by the American Psychological Association. 74 percent of the batch were in committed relationships, 43 percent married, and the rest single.

The survey also explored sexting behaviors, motives, and satisfaction. Researchers found that the responses varied depending on the level of commitment.

High levels of sexting amongst those who weren't too committed in their relationships had higher levels of satisfaction.

Meanwhile, there was no significant relationship found in high levels of sexting and levels of satisfaction amongst those who were in "very committed" relationships.

Respondents were also asked to rate how often they send or receive the following:

• Sexually suggestive photos
• Photos in lingerie or underwear
• Nude photos
• Sexually suggestive texts
• Explicit texts propositioning sexual activity

According to CNN, the study is currently in the process of being submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. 

"This research indicates that sexting is a prevalent behavior that adults engage in for a variety of reasons," said Stasko to CNN.

"Given the possible implications, both positive and negative, for sexual health, it's important to continue investigating the role sexting plays in current romantic and sexual relationships."

So with that said, sext away!