What is cognitive bias?
Cognitive bias refers to unconscious patterns in thinking that affect how we perceive and interpret information. They can lead us to make decisions based on faulty reasoning, without realizing it. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube have become major sources for news, entertainment, communication, shopping, and more. This creates an environment where people can be exposed to endless images, videos, and messages about idealized bodies, relationships, and lifestyles. As a result, they may form unrealistic expectations and desires related to their own appearance, behavior, and experiences. The way people process information online has been shown to impact their mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. When we see idealized portrayals of sex on social media, we may start to believe that this is the norm, or even expect it to happen automatically.
Body language and physical appearance
Social media often features exaggerated representations of body types, poses, clothing, accessories, and other aspects of appearance. We may see pictures of models, actors, influencers, or friends who are taller, skinnier, curvier, younger, wealthier, etc., than ourselves. This can create feelings of envy or insecurity, making us want to change our appearance to match theirs.
People who regularly view pictures of muscular men or thin women may develop body dysmorphia, feeling dissatisfied with their own physique. Similarly, seeing couples kissing, hugging, cuddling, or having sex online may reinforce the idea that intimacy should always be perfect, romantic, and sensual.
These images don't necessarily reflect reality - most sexual encounters are messy, awkward, and imperfect. They require communication, trust, vulnerability, and empathy. It takes time and effort to build a strong relationship based on shared interests, values, and goals.
Sexual scripts
We all have internalized ideas about what constitutes "good" or "bad" sex, which influence our attitudes and behaviors. Social media feeds into these biases by presenting a narrow range of desirable scenarios.
Heterosexual pornography often shows male dominance, female submission, and orgasmic climax. It also focuses on genitalia, penetration, and explicit language. People might start to believe that this is how all sex should look like, forgetting that there are many ways to enjoy intimate moments without penetrative intercourse. This can lead to performance anxiety, shame around not reaching orgasm quickly, or avoidance of certain activities (e.g., anal sex). On the other hand, some social media users promote alternative lifestyles such as polyamory, kink, fetishes, or BDSM. While it's important to explore different preferences, people need to understand that consent, trust, boundaries, and safety are essential in any form of intimacy.
Influencer marketing
Many brands partner with influencers who share sponsored content online. This includes clothing, cosmetics, food, fitness routines, travel destinations, and even dating advice. Some advertisements feature idealized couples engaging in sexy or romantic behavior, promoting products as solutions for improving one's love life.
These ads may be misleading, since they don't always reflect real experiences. The models used may be paid to perform, have special training or makeup artists, or simply be lucky enough to meet someone attractive. Viewers may feel pressured to buy into expensive services or products, believing they will automatically achieve success in their relationships. In reality, true connection requires effort, compromise, and mutual respect.
What cognitive biases are reinforced by constant exposure to idealized sexual portrayals on social media platforms?
A cognitive bias is a systematic error in judgment that occurs when people process information. There are many cognitive biases that can be reinforced by constant exposure to idealized sexual portrayals on social media platforms. One such bias is called the halo effect, which refers to the tendency for individuals to view an individual's positive characteristics as extending to other unrelated areas.