According to recent studies, the popular video-sharing platform TikTok has become one of the most visited websites among young people aged between 13 and 24 years old. This trend is mainly due to its attractive features that make it an ideal space for the spread of various types of media, including erotic content.
The impact of such material on teenagers' sexual development remains controversial. In this context, this article aims to examine how TikTok erotic consumption influences adolescents' understanding of relational norms, sexual scripts, and desire. To achieve this goal, the analysis will focus on two main factors: the nature of erotic content available on TikTok and the psychological effects it may have on viewers' sexual behavior. Therefore, the present study will provide readers with comprehensive evidence-based insights into this issue and suggest possible strategies for mitigating negative outcomes associated with excessive exposure to online pornography.
The following sections will discuss the importance of intimacy and healthy relationships in adolescent sexuality and highlight the risks posed by unrealistic sexual expectations promoted through social media platforms. Then, the article will explore the characteristics of TikTok's erotic content and evaluate its potential influence on the above-mentioned aspects.
It will offer some recommendations for parents and educators who want to help their children navigate safely through this complex digital world.
Intimate Relationships are Crucial to Adolescent Sexual Development
Intimate relationships play a crucial role in shaping adolescents' sexual development. Healthy romantic bonds allow young people to learn about their bodies, desires, and emotions while also providing them with opportunities for self-expression and exploration (Agarwal & Schick, 2015).
Such experiences can be challenging when teenagers have limited knowledge or access to information regarding love, sex, and communication. As a result, they may develop unrealistic expectations about relationships, leading to frustration, dissatisfaction, and even unsafe sexual practices (Miller, 2017). In addition, intimate encounters often involve physical contact that can be confusing and overwhelming if not properly guided by experienced individuals. This reality makes the internet an attractive source of information, especially given the vast amount of content available online. Still, it must be noted that most websites do not provide accurate guidance on how to approach these issues. Instead, they promote unhealthy fantasies that perpetuate harmful norms and scripts.
Sexual Expectations Promoted Through Social Media Can be Harmful
One example is the pornography industry, which has become increasingly popular among young adults since its emergence in the late 20th century. Pornographic material promotes excessive and degrading sexual behavior that lacks empathy, consent, and respect (Coleman et al., 2019).
It presents women as objects that men should use to satisfy their urges without considering their feelings or needs (O'Connor, 2014). These messages reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes that limit both partners' ability to enjoy healthy intimacy (Pearce, 2020). Moreover, they contribute to the normalization of violence against women and other forms of abuse (Davis & McNeill, 2018), creating a negative impact on self-esteem and mental health (Kilpatrick & Saffran, 2015).
TikTok Erotic Content: Characteristics and Impact
TikTok has become one of the most visited websites for teenagers seeking erotic content. It offers various types of media related to sex, including amateur videos, live streams, and erotic stories (Graham, 2021).
Not all of this material is explicitly pornographic; some creators promote safe and consensual practices while others focus on fetishism and BDSM. Regardless of the specific content, all videos aim to excite viewers by presenting unrealistic expectations about body image, performance, and pleasure (Chandler et al., 2021). Such representations can lead young people to develop unhealthy sexual scripts, leading to risky behaviors and addiction (Hudson et al., 2017). Therefore, parents and educators must be aware of this reality and take measures to protect children from its potential harms.
This article shows that TikTok erotic consumption influences adolescents' understanding of relational norms, sexual scripts, and desire. The platform offers an extensive variety of media that promotes unhealthy attitudes towards love, sex, and intimacy, which may result in frustration, dissatisfaction, and dangerous behaviors. To avoid these outcomes, it
How does TikTok erotic consumption influence adolescents' understanding of relational norms, sexual scripts, and desire?
Despite the popularity of TikTok and its diverse content, it has also become an increasingly controversial platform for online sexually explicit materials. This has led many to wonder how such exposure might impact adolescents' understanding of relationships, sexual scripts, and desires.