Vengeance is a monster of appetite, forever bloodthirsty and never filled.
—Richelle E. Goodrich
Lovers share. Lovers take pictures. Lovers engage in pleasure-filled sexual activity. Lovers send intimate pictures and videos to remain close when separated. Inhibitions are overcome, and feelings are sometimes expressed through explicit messages sent across electronic media. A measure of distance provides the subjects of the photos with feelings of spontaneity, adventure, and control.
That is, until a breakup happens.
Scorned lovers share. Scorned lovers upload. Scorned lovers engage in revenge. Scorned lovers send the intimate pictures and videos through email and social media, seeking vengeance after a disputed separation. Anger is expressed by sending the explicit material with identifying personal information around the web. Scorned lovers often remain anonymous and in control.
Sharing of intimate photos online without permission has become increasingly trendy. An image is shared, and the victim becomes a medium of entertainment for strangers to enjoy and exploit. Victims suffer immeasurable damage, such as rejection from potential employers, educational institutions, and potential intimate partners. Some victims, as a result of the postings, get stalked, harassed, and bullied. Others commit suicide. These damaging consequences often come from the fact that not only are their images published but also their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and places of employment are frequently revealed.