The practice of sexting through the use of the internet its criminal perspectives

Abstract

Sexting is a phenomenon that has been occurring in the Digital Age, being motivated mainly by the ease of creating relationships through social networks and applications, thus providing instant communication between people. The word “sexting” can be characterized as text messages, photographs, videos and/or any type of form that presents sexual (erotic) content. The general objective of the study was to study the specificities and concepts that characterize sexting actions, and their legal and criminal consequences within the Brazilian legal system. The problem highlighted in the study is presented in the following question: How has the Brazilian legal system faced sexting, as it is a very recent type of sexual crime, given its specificities and characteristics? The methodological procedures used in the study were characterized by bibliographical research, qualitative research, descriptive and exploratory research. The results found in the study seek to bring greater understanding to a contemporary topic, and what is necessary is to provide greater knowledge in the face of the recent digital wave that is sexting. It is concluded that sexting presents various risks in itself, such as: defamation and insult, psychological violence and digital crime. The Penal Code seeks to defend people who are victims of sexting, as this practice results in psychosocial disorders with depression, which can in some cases lead to suicide. The use of social media inappropriately can lead to disruptions in social, affective and emotional relationships. In this way, the State seeks to defend people affected by such an act.