Everyone’s favorite fantasy girl, Scarlett Johansson, is the most recent celebrity to join the pants-off party on the Internet.
Johansson’s photos, depicting her in her bountiful birthday suit, were leaked last week after her phone was hacked. After the photos went viral online, she contacted the FBI and had lawyers submit takedown notices.
Johansson has joined the hacked phone club with other recent victims Mila Kunis, Blake Lively, Jessica Alba and Vanessa Hudgens.
And let us not forget about other celebrity nude photo leaks like Paramore singer Hayley Williams’ “accidental” ta-ta tweet, Brett Favre’s unimpressive sext to a reporter and Rihanna’s solo photo shoot in front of her mirror.
It seems like every week we’re plagued and/or pleasured with new photos of celebrities looking a little underdressed.
Be it an account hacking, a misdial, an “accidental tweet” or a resentful ex, nude photos will get out. Celebrities should know this by now.
It’s possible some are seeking the free publicity. Photo leaks make statements and give us something else to focus on.
For example, when Miley Cyrus’ photos surfaced a few years ago, she shattered her innocent image as the cute Disney Channel star with the annoying voice and became an adult.
And no one knew who Amber Rose was until her bottom bombarded the Web.
It’s also possible some celebrities — like Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively, who freaked out when their photos were released — are just plain dumb.
They are two of pop culture’s most desirable sex symbols and are drooled over when fully clothed. Do they really think it’s safe to have naked pictures of themselves hanging around?
Don’t be naïve.
Not to sound overly dramatic, but celebrities need to realize their files are not safe. With the sophistication of today’s hackers, where there’s a will, there’s a leak.
This applies to celebrities as well as regular Joes.
While the world is a lot less interested in seeing you and me sans clothing, it’s still possible your photos will get out and cause irreversible damage.
Photo scandals can harm relationships, employment and reputations, as well as inflict extreme humiliation and judgment. Just ask Anthony Weiner, who resigned from Congress after his wiener photos were thrust upon the masses.
If you consider yourself sexy enough to be photographically documented, then all power to you. Cherish your hotness. Love it, kiss it, squeeze it, stroke it, whatever.
But if you choose to photograph it, be prepared for the consequences.
When you take a nude photo, you’re basically consenting that you’re ok with the fact that your body will be seen by multiple sets of eyes.
If you absolutely must show your naked body to a certain someone, why not just do it in person and let him or her take a mental picture? It’s probably way more forgiving than your cellphone camera, and memory will usually add a few cups or inches here and there.
Just be careful when sexting or posing for pictures. Digital evidence lasts forever, and your sexting partner might not be as trustworthy as you think. Today almost everything is traceable.
Don’t be like Scarlett Johansson. You can go ahead and look like her, but don’t act appalled and shell-shocked like her if your privates go public.
You should know what you’re getting into because things that are juicy, like Johansson’s rear, will always get out.
 
Emily Herrington is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Metairie, La.
 
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Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]