Gender roles, sexual identity, and relational expectations have been at the center of debate for decades. In recent years, these topics have become even more prominent due to technological advances that allow individuals to communicate through different platforms like social media. One such platform is TikTok, which has gained immense popularity among young adults. The app's main feature is sharing short videos, often consisting of dance routines, challenges, and lip-syncing videos.
There are also numerous trends related to sexuality and intimacy, some of which aim to subvert traditional gender norms while others reinforce them. This paper explores how TikTok's erotic trends affect unconscious perceptions of gender roles, sexual identity, and relational expectations among its users.
The first erotic trend on TikTok was "Sexy Nerd" in 2019, where women dressed as stereotypical nerd characters but wore revealing clothing. These videos were viewed millions of times and received positive feedback from viewers who appreciated the creativity and humor of the trend. The trend seemed to challenge the notion that women should dress conservatively to be considered sexy. It also questioned the idea that intelligence and sexiness are mutually exclusive. Other trends followed suit, such as "Petite Girl", "Twerk", and "Butt". While these trends may seem harmless, they perpetuate harmful stereotypes about body types and sexuality.
Petite Girl promotes the idea that small girls are more attractive than larger ones, while Butt emphasizes a particular body part over others. These trends can influence viewers' perceptions without their knowledge, leading to unhealthy attitudes towards bodies and relationships.
Another erotic trend on TikTok is "Feminist TikTok", which challenges traditional gender norms by featuring women discussing issues like consent, body positivity, and LGBTQ+ rights. Some of these videos have gone viral, with millions of views and comments supporting the cause. This trend shows that young people are aware of gender-based oppression and want to change it.
Some critics argue that this trend reinforces the idea that feminism is limited to certain aspects of life, ignoring other forms of inequality.
Other trends, such as "Gay TikTok" and "Trans TikTok," aim to represent marginalized communities and promote acceptance. These trends feature individuals expressing themselves authentically and celebrating their identities. They show that young people recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in relationships.
There are concerns that these trends could be tokenizing or appropriative, depending on how they are presented.
TikTok's erotic trends affect young users' perceptions of gender roles, sexual identity, and relational expectations, whether intentionally or not. While some trends challenge traditional norms, others perpetuate them. It's crucial for young adults to be mindful of the messages they consume and create positive content that promotes healthy relationships.
How do TikTok erotic trends affect unconscious perceptions of gender roles, sexual identity, and relational expectations among young users?
Erotic trends on TikTok have been criticized for promoting harmful stereotypes about gender roles, sexual identity, and relationship expectations, which can lead to negative consequences for young users. The rise of these trends on social media platforms like TikTok has led to an increasingly polarized view of relationships between men and women, with some people believing that traditional gender roles are necessary for a healthy relationship while others reject them entirely.