By Floyd Godfrey, PhD
The rise of deepfake technology—where artificial intelligence (AI) generates hyper-realistic but fake media—has introduced new threats to youth, especially in the form of sexually explicit, non-consensual images. These digital forgeries, commonly called deepfake nudes, are becoming increasingly prevalent among teenagers. A new study by Thorn (2024), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from online sexual abuse, highlights just how widespread and harmful this issue has become.
Prevalence and Impact
According to Thorn (2024), nearly one-third of teens between the ages of 13 and 20 are familiar with deepfake nudes. Even more alarming, 1 in 8 personally knows someone who has been targeted, and 1 in 17 has had a deepfake nude of themselves created without consent. These statistics reveal a serious and growing problem. The rapid accessibility of AI tools and lack of accountability have enabled the creation and sharing of these exploitative images, which can result in humiliation, reputational damage, and long-lasting emotional trauma.
Psychological Implications
The emotional impact of non-consensual sexual imagery parallels the psychological trauma seen in survivors of sexual exploitation and addiction-related shame cycles. Victims may experience intense anxiety, social withdrawal, and identity disturbance. Thorn (2024) reported that 84% of teens believe these images are harmful, citing emotional distress and fear of manipulation as key concerns. As professionals like Carnes (2012) have outlined in addiction recovery literature, experiences of shame and violation play a pivotal role in developing compulsive behaviors or emotional dysregulation, particularly among those already vulnerable.
Educational Strategies
To address the deepfake crisis, a proactive educational response is needed. Youth must be taught not only how these technologies work but also the ethical considerations surrounding digital consent. Schools should integrate digital literacy and consent-based curriculum that fosters respect for personal boundaries in both physical and online spaces. Mental health professionals and parents alike play a crucial role in creating open dialogues, where youth feel safe reporting incidents and exploring their emotional reactions.
Therapeutic and Coaching Interventions
Recovery for youth impacted by deepfake nudes often requires both therapeutic and coaching interventions. Trauma-informed approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help rebuild a sense of self-worth and safety. Coaching can aid in developing personal resilience and healthy boundaries in online behavior. Experts have emphasized the importance of addressing deep-rooted emotional wounds, especially shame, in fostering sustainable healing—an insight that remains vital in cases involving digital sexual exploitation.
Deepfake nudes are a modern manifestation of sexual harm, preying on the emotional vulnerabilities of youth. However, with targeted education, compassionate therapy, and public awareness, professionals can help safeguard adolescents and guide them toward recovery and empowerment.
Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com
References
Thorn. (2024, March 19). Deepfake nudes are a harmful reality for youth: New research from Thorn. https://www.thorn.org/blog/deepfake-nudes-are-a-harmful-reality-for-youth-new-research-from-thorn/
