One can say that Facebook is nowadays the most popular social network worldwide, gathering more than one billion users per month. It has become an important platform for people to share their lives, but also has changed significantly since its creation. Among many things, it has transformed the way individuals communicate with others and express themselves online.
The concept of an erotic community on Facebook refers to groups where members discuss topics related to love, dating, romance, sex, intimacy, sensuality, etc. These groups usually set some ground rules to regulate how members should behave and interact with each other, but these norms are often difficult to enforce because they go against human nature and desire to be accepted.
The paradox lies in the fact that while claiming liberation through individual expression, erotic communities end up enforcing conformity as they strive for cohesion and acceptance among members. This happens because humans have a strong need to belong, and therefore will adjust their behavior accordingly. On top of this, there are psychological dynamics at play such as peer pressure, social comparison, and cognitive dissonance.
Peer pressure is a powerful force that drives members to follow the group's standards. If someone deviates from what is considered normal or acceptable, they may receive negative reactions from other members or even get expelled from the group. This creates anxiety and fear of exclusion, which leads them to comply with the norms. Second, social comparison can make people feel inferior if they don't fit in, causing them to try harder to be accepted. Third, cognitive dissonance occurs when one holds two conflicting beliefs or ideas, in this case between the desire for liberation and the need to belong. To reduce this tension, people will change their thoughts and behaviors to match those of others.
Erotic community norms on Facebook create an illusion of freedom by offering a space for self-expression, but ultimately limit it through conformity pressures. It shows how human behavior can be influenced by social factors like belongingness, despite our innate desires.
How do Facebook erotic community norms enforce conformity while claiming liberation, and what psychological dynamics underlie this paradox?
Facebook's erotic communities are a place where individuals can freely express their sexual desires and preferences, but they also have strict rules and regulations that members must follow to maintain their status within the group. The conformist nature of these communities is enforced through various mechanisms, including public shaming, censorship, and exclusion from private groups.