Shadow banning is a recent phenomenon in social media platforms like Instagram that allows users to post content but restricts its visibility without their knowledge. This practice has become increasingly common among social media platforms to control the content posted by users without explicitly blocking them from posting or deleting it. While this practice is aimed at curbing the spread of harmful content, it also limits user's expression in many aspects. One such aspect is the freedom of speech in terms of sexuality and erotica. Shadowbanning of erotic content shapes users' unconscious relationship with authority, repression, and rebellion. These cultural conflicts around sexuality can be traced back to historical events like the Victorian era, when sexuality was considered taboo and hidden behind closed doors. The algorithm-driven shadowban of erotic content suppresses users' desire for intimacy and sexual pleasure, echoing earlier conflicts around sexuality. It creates an environment where users feel the need to hide their true desires and express themselves through alternative means. Users may resort to using code words, emojis, or indirect references to communicate about their sexuality, creating an atmosphere of secrecy and shame. This can lead to feelings of repression and frustration, ultimately resulting in a lack of communication between partners about their needs and preferences. In addition, the shadowban on erotic content can create a false sense of security for users who believe they are safe in sharing their thoughts and ideas online.
The reality is that these platforms have algorithms designed to detect and censor certain types of content, including anything related to sex or sexuality. This reinforces the idea that sexuality should remain hidden and forbidden, perpetuating the cycle of repression and censorship that has existed since antiquity.
The algorithm-driven shadowbans of erotic content shape users' unconscious relationship with authority because it implies that there is someone watching over them and judging their actions. Users may feel a sense of fear and anxiety whenever they post erotic content, leading to self-censorship and avoidance of such topics altogether. This can result in a loss of personal freedom and autonomy as users become more dependent on the platform's rules and regulations.
This approach to managing content also suggests that there is a hierarchy of authority within social media platforms, which could make some users feel powerless and disempowered. The repressive nature of shadow banning erotic content contributes to cultural conflicts around sexuality by promoting a narrow view of what is acceptable and desirable in terms of sexual expression. It encourages conformity rather than individuality and freedom of expression, creating an atmosphere of shame and judgment around sexuality.
The rebellion against algorithm-driven shadowbans can take many forms, from posting erotic content despite the risks to challenging the platform's policies and procedures. Some users may even choose to leave the platform entirely if they feel that their voices are being silenced.
The algorithm-driven shadowban of erotic content exposes how sexuality remains taboo and stigmatized, leading to a lack of communication and intimacy between partners.
This trend can be reversed through open dialogue and education about healthy expressions of sexuality.
How do algorithm-driven shadowbans of erotic content shape users' unconscious relationship with authority, repression, and rebellion, echoing earlier cultural conflicts around sexuality?
The phenomenon of algorithm-driven shadowbans on social media has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly for content related to sexuality and gender. This has led to a shift in how users interact with online platforms and their relationships with authority, repression, and rebellion. Users who encounter these shadowbans may feel a sense of helplessness and frustration at not being able to express themselves freely, leading to feelings of repression and censorship.