How does Instagram's representation of erotically appealing bodies and lifestyles influence people's perceptions of what is considered attractive, sexy, healthy, and desirable? In this essay, I will explore how popular Instagram accounts, such as @emilyratajkowski, @kyliejenner, and @tanyasweeting, present their images and narratives through the lens of fashion, fitness, and wellness to create an aesthetic that inspires viewers to cultivate their own sensual and relational identities. Specifically, these influencers promote body positivity, self-care, and active living, while also promoting a specific type of beauty standard that emphasizes physical appearance. I argue that this presentation of sexualized lifestyle can lead to unrealistic expectations for both individuals seeking romantic and sexual partnerships and those who may feel pressured to achieve similar levels of physical appeal themselves. By exploring the ways in which Instagram's erotic aesthetics intersect with wellness, fashion, and fitness, we can gain insight into how social media shapes modern conceptions of sex and relationships.
Let us consider Emily Ratajkowski, who has gained a large following for her provocative yet tasteful posts. Her use of clothing, poses, and facial expressions exude confidence and sexuality, encouraging viewers to adopt a similar attitude toward their own bodies and lives. Similarly, Kylie Jenner's images showcase a glamorous lifestyle, complete with designer clothes and accessories, highlighting the idea that luxury is synonymous with beauty and success.
Tanya Sweet's account features healthy food choices, workouts, and relaxation techniques, all aimed at helping followers prioritize self-care and mental/physical wellbeing. These accounts present a multi-faceted approach to attaining a desirable lifestyle, wherein fitness, nutrition, and self-love are intertwined with sensuality and attractiveness.
These ideals have the potential to create pressure on viewers to conform to an ideal body type or lifestyle, while also promoting false beliefs about what constitutes an authentic relationship.
The popularity of influencers like Emily Ratajkowski, Kylie Jenner, and Tanya Sweet on Instagram demonstrates the widespread appeal of a certain erotic aesthetic that blends wellness, fashion, and fitness. While their content may inspire individuals to cultivate their personal identities and relationships, it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and pressures. By critically analyzing the ways in which Instagram's erotic aesthetics intersect with other aspects of life, we can better understand how social media shapes our understanding of sex and relationships.
How do Instagram erotic aesthetics intersect with wellness, fashion, and fitness to influence relational and sexual expectations?
Instagram erotic aesthetics is a trend that has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as more people seek to express themselves sexually through their social media platforms. The intersection of these aesthetics with wellness, fashion, and fitness can be seen in the way that people are beginning to redefine what it means to be sexy, and how they present themselves on social media.