There are, though, recent numbers on the prevalence of sexting among adults. In a May 2010 survey from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 15 percent of adults said they had received "a sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude photo or video" on their cell phone, and 6 percent said they had sent such a text. In the 18-to-29 demographic, the numbers rose to 31 percent and 13 percent.

"We were surprised at the prevalence among young adults," says Amanda Lenhart, a senior research specialist at Pew. "But if you think of it as part of the wooing process today, then it doesn't really seem all that surprising."

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