Does sexting have long-term emotional or psychological effects?

Yes, it can: You might ask ex-congressman anthony weiner about that. Still, some people don't learn the first time.

Not known: Sex communication via text is relatively new-initial epidemiological studies of sexting only recently were published- so nobody knows for sure. The degree to which sexting forms an addiction, interferes with real relationships & daily functioning, time dedicated to and the obsessive & compulsive need to sext, & potential legal consequences are likely predictive long term - not sexting in isolation.