Instagram users create an account to share their personal lives with others. They may choose to post pictures of themselves, events they attend, or things that interest them. One popular way to express oneself on Instagram is through selfies. Selfies are photos of one's face taken by oneself using a smartphone or camera. These pictures can be taken from any angle or position, but many people take selfies at angles that flatter their appearance. Some Instagrammers create accounts dedicated solely to posting selfies, while others include them in posts about other topics. Erotic selfies are particularly common on Instagram because they show off the subject's body in a revealing or sexy manner. This paper will explore how erotic selfies reflect unconscious desires, relational fears, and performative identity concerns.
Unconscious Desires
Erotic selfies often reflect unconscious sexual desires. People might not know why they find certain images sexually arousing, but they still feel attracted to them.
Some people enjoy seeing women who wear lingerie or bikinis, even if they would never want to wear those items themselves. Others prefer looking at muscular men with tattoos. These images tap into repressed fantasies that people don't consciously acknowledge. By posting such photos, Instagram users give themselves permission to explore these desires without judgement.
Relational Fears
Another reason for posting erotic selfies is to manage relational fears. Many people worry about being accepted as sexual partners or finding someone to date. They may post erotic selfies to increase their chances of attracting potential mates. Insecure individuals may use eroticism to compensate for lack of confidence or physical features.
Someone who feels short or heavy could post a photo of themselves in a provocative position to appear more appealing.
This strategy can backfire if it comes across as desperate or manipulative.
Performative Identity Concerns
Many people use erotic selfies to create an image of themselves. Posting such pictures allows them to present themselves as confident and adventurous. It can be empowering to take control of one's appearance and share it with others. Some individuals also see eroticism as part of their identity, so sharing photos helps express that aspect of themselves. This is especially true for those who identify as kinky or fetishistic. The performative nature of erotic selfies means that viewers often interpret them differently than the original poster intended.
Someone might post a picture of themselves wearing lingerie to show off their body, but others may read it as seeking attention or validation.
How does Instagram erotic self-presentation reflect unconscious desires, relational fears, and performative identity concerns?
Instagram is a platform where users can share images and videos with their followers. Many users create accounts that showcase themselves in a particular way. Some individuals may use this platform as an opportunity to express their sexuality through pictures of themselves in revealing clothing or poses. This practice has been linked to a number of psychological factors, such as unconscious desires for attention and validation from others.