In this age of technology, where people are more connected than ever before through social media platforms, it is not surprising that there has been an increase in attention given to how these platforms have changed the way individuals perceive and express their emotions and feelings. One aspect of human behavior that has received particular attention is the role of social visibility in shaping moral valuations. Specifically, the morality surrounding romantic and sexual relationships has been heavily influenced by the extent to which individuals choose to share their intimate moments with others online. In this article, I will explore how social visibility alters the moral valuation of affection.
Social visibility refers to the extent to which an individual's private life is publicly known or made available for viewing. It can be seen as a spectrum, with one end representing extreme secrecy and the other extreme transparency. The level of social visibility in society today has increased exponentially due to technological advancements and the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. With these platforms, people can easily post photos and videos of themselves and their partners doing various activities together, from eating out to traveling abroad. This trend has been referred to as "oversharing" by some critics who argue that sharing too much information about oneself can lead to negative consequences such as privacy violations and identity theft.
Others see it as a positive thing since it allows them to connect with others on a deeper level.
The effect of social visibility on the moral valuation of affection can be complex because it involves several factors. Firstly, it depends on what type of affection is being shared - physical or emotional. When individuals share physical expressions of affection, such as kissing or holding hands, they are likely to receive more criticism than when they express emotional love. Secondly, the context also matters; for example, if two people share a tender moment while taking care of a child, most people would not consider it wrong unless there was abuse involved.
The frequency and intensity of the display will determine how acceptable it is considered morally.
Posting multiple pictures of intimate moments could be perceived as exploitative or narcissistic.
The moral evaluation of affection is changing rapidly due to social visibility. While some may argue that sharing affection publicly is immoral, others believe it helps create stronger connections between people. The choice to share affection online should be done carefully, considering all relevant factors like culture, gender norms, and individual preferences.
How does social visibility alter the moral valuation of affection?
Social visibility plays an important role in influencing how people perceive and evaluate expressions of affection. When individuals receive compliments from others, they tend to feel more positive about themselves and their actions (i. e. , self-esteem). Consequently, people who believe that their actions are praised by others may be more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors and help others because they experience increased feelings of warmth and pride for having contributed positively to society.