Algorithmic content restrictions are prevalent in many online platforms and social media networks that aim to regulate the type of content users can view and share. These restrictions are often intended to protect minors and prevent the spread of illegal or offensive materials.
They can also have unintended consequences, particularly when it comes to non-heteronormative eroticism. Non-heteronormativity refers to any form of sexual orientation or gender identity outside of traditional binary categories such as heterosexuality and cisgender. Algorithmic content restrictions can reinforce cultural taboos around non-heteronormative eroticism by disproportionately targeting marginalized communities who engage in consensual sexual practices. This can result in the silencing of diverse voices and experiences and contribute to an environment of fear, shame, and stigma.
One example of this is the case of trans women and trans men who may face discrimination due to their gender identity. Many popular dating apps restrict their search options based on sex assigned at birth, which means that trans individuals cannot identify themselves accurately and may be excluded from potential matches. Similarly, queer people who engage in polyamory or BDSM may find that their interests are not represented in mainstream pornography, leading them to seek out alternative sources of entertainment outside of algorithmically curated content.
The impact of these restrictions goes beyond the immediate loss of access to information and resources. It perpetuates harmful ideas about what types of bodies, identities, and relationships are acceptable and desirable, reinforcing narrow and oppressive norms of beauty, desire, and intimacy. This can lead to increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and self-doubt among those who do not fit into traditional definitions of sexuality and romance.
To address these issues, online platforms must take a more nuanced approach to regulating content, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all users. Rather than relying solely on algorithms to police content, they should prioritize dialogue and education around diversity, inclusivity, and consent. Platforms can also work with community leaders and activists to develop guidelines that reflect the needs and perspectives of marginalized groups, ensuring that everyone has equal access to representation and respect. By taking these steps, we can create an environment where non-heteronormative eroticism can flourish without fear of censorship or shame.
How do algorithmic content restrictions reproduce cultural taboos around non-heteronormative eroticism?
Algorithmic content restrictions play an important role in shaping social norms and values around sexuality and gender by limiting access to non-heteronormative erotic content. These algorithms are designed to prioritize heterosexual, cisgendered, and monogamous content, which reinforces traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity as well as norms about what is considered acceptable for men and women to desire sexually.