Researchers at the University of Alberta studied the effects of sexting on the relationships of 615 people, of varying sexualities, ages, educations and ethnicities.
Sexters said they felt insecure in their relationship and showed lower levels of commitment. Frequent and hyper-sexters were overall far less satisfied with other aspects of their relationships.
"My interpretation is that the sexters are focusing more on the sexual part of their relationship and may be neglecting other areas,” said Adam Galovan, a family scientist and the lead author of the study.
Unsurprisingly, sexters also reported a high degree of “technology interference” in their relationships, i.e. using phones during face-to-face conversations, meals or down time with their bae. Galovan says that prioritising technology over personal interaction could be why other parts of the relationship are a struggle.
"These folks want to get to the end goal – a good relationship – without doing the hard work of talking, listening and spending quality time together," Galovan said.
He believes our culture of instant gratification could be to blame.
"They need to put the phone down and have a good old-fashioned conversation – spend some time together nurturing the relationship – instead of shortcutting with sexting to try to get a quality relationship."
A version of this story originally appeared on Women's Health.