Why People Share Revenge Porn

Revenge porn refers to the sharing of explicit or sexual, images or videos, without the consent of the person in the content. One may initially have sent a nude with consent, but then these images are used/shared in a non-consensually manner. For instance, keeping nudes after a break up and sharing them on a group chat.

It can be challenging to understand why people share 'revenge porn'. In order to break the cycle, and better educate ourselves we must think about the psychology behind why people do this, before we attempt to solve the problem. What is interesting is, despite the name, revenge porn is not always to do with revenge. Below are five reasons (but not limited to) why people may share revenge porn:

1. To show off to others. This has a large peer pressure element to it. Sadly, a lot of 'lad' or 'frat' culture is built around this, and so fosters this bad and dangerous behaviour. 
2. To get revenge after breaking up.
3. General stupidity and lack of awareness. 
4. Anger towards women or another person.
5. Somehow I think that people want this content to be shared. 

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‍How do we fix the problem? \

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This is not an easy problem to fix. Of course, it is important to know how to keep yourself safe online, but it shouldn't just be about keeping safe online. We should also be focusing on stopping this behaviour, as that is the common denominator. There is no one fix all solution, and it will require a group effort to solve.

1. People who have shared photos or participated in group chats need to reflect. They need to think about why they did that and then nip that behaviour in the bud. 
2. This is clear ethics. People should never post or share explicit images of anyone. If you break up with someone and have explicit photos of them, you should immediately delete them. 
3. People need to not share images if they are sent to them. 
4. This behaviour must be called out. That's the best way to break this consistent cycle of 'lad culture' and peer pressure. 
5. Everyone needs to stand up for each other. 
6. Reevaluate who you are spending your time with. If you are hanging out with people who don't see the issue with revenge porn, then you're hanging out with some idiots. Get some new friends. 
7. Sex education needs to properly address the dangers of sending explicit images, and also needs to address lad culture, and why people should not share these images. 
8. Children and teens need to be taught about sexual integrity and ethics. 
9. Laws surrounding revenge porn need to be stricter, and policing systems need to produce better ways of reporting revenge porn.

How to Keep Safe: 

1. Think about the risks and ramifications of sending explicit photos. 
2. Do not show your face or tattoos if you do choose to send nudes. 
3. Refer to our parental tool kit and information pages on the dangers of sexting.

What to do if you are a victim/survivor of revenge porn: 

1. Research your local laws on revenge porn. 
2. Remember that it is not your fault. 
3. Ask websites or social media platforms to remove the images. 
4. Reach out to helplines (listed below) 
5. Speak to a parent, role model, or authoritative figure.

Resources and Helplines: 

Revenge Porn Helpline

SWGFL