Love Bytes
Sexting, Safe Citizenship, and Digital Boundaries
From “DMs” to requesting a pic to sexting, digital communication has significantly impacted interpersonal and sexual relationships. Texting, video chat, and image sharing can provide an efficient and even fun way of communicating but also can lack nuance. At worst, it can become used for technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV).
Developed by Catharsis Productions and Dr. Randi Spiker, Associate Professor at Marywood University (incoming, Aug 2025), Director of the DIVA Lab, and former member of the PWR Lab* at Florida International University
* The PWR Lab at FIU studies various forms of TFSV, and its connection to other forms of violence and discrimination.
This live, engaging presentation delves into the complex role that digital communication and technology plays in our interpersonal relationships. Through small-group discussions and interactive technology (like live polls and multimedia), audiences will enjoy learning about the constantly changing world of digital communication, practical strategies to reduce the risk of exploitation through TFSV, and what their responsibility is to engage in ethical online behavior that respects others and prevents harm. The interactive in-person format aims to build real community connections while addressing the realities of the digital age.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Role of Digital Communication in Relationships: Explore the role digital communication can play in interpersonal relationships in positive and negative ways, and how it differs from in-person communication.
• Dangers of TFSV: Learn about the various forms of technology-facilitated sexual violence and image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), including non-consensual sharing of intimate images, “revenge porn,” “deepfakes,” and “virtual rape.”
• Risk Reduction Strategies: Understand various strategies that can better protect participants and others from TFSV, including best practices for digital communication, privacy settings, and where to find additional prevention and legal resources.
• Ethical Engagement: Discover principles and practices to consider when engaging online that allow participants to know they are treating others with respect and equity and not crossing any boundaries.
• Online Bystander Intervention: Embrace digital citizenship by appropriately responding to events that may be technology-facilitated sexual violence and call out victim-blaming attitudes when engaging in online communities through group chats or other platforms.
This 60-75 minute interactive workshop can be presented to up to 400 students.
A companion program designed specifically for responsible employees (faculty, staff, and higher-ed leadership) that may serve as first responders to TFSV. Contact Catharsis Productions for more details on this customized employee workshop.