INDIANAPOLIS -- Texting, typing and taking pictures are among the primary ways that teens communicate, in lieu of talking as much, but experts contend teens have become desensitized to criminal activity, largely because the ability to communicate without apparent repercussions is so easy.

Some point to the gang rape of a California teen as an example of a pervasive problem that seems to be worsening, 6News' Sarah Cornell reported.

"It's beyond horrendous that this could happen and someone could watch," said Kathryn Brown, an expert in sexual behavior at Indiana University.

Brown, who is heading up a "sexploration" conference at the school this week, said desensitization through the Internet and texting is shaping teen behavior.

"We have social networking sites where people feel more free about giving out information about themselves," Brown said. "We know about the sexting, sending nude or semi-nude pictures. There aren't always parents at home in the evening or after school, and kids need that guidance."

Experts worry that without that guidance, the problem will continue to grow.