There are many ways that social media platforms such as TikTok can influence how young people learn about sex, relationships, and intimacy. One way is through the popularization of "erotic" trends, which often promote specific sexual behaviors and attitudes that may be harmful to the developing mind of a teenager. By engaging in these types of trends, adolescents may develop unconscious relational patterns that reinforce negative stereotypes and beliefs about themselves, their partners, and others.
One example of an erotic trend on TikTok is the "hickey challenge," where users try to give each other hickeys while making out. This behavior perpetuates the idea that physical affection should always lead to some kind of actionable outcome, like kissing or more intimate contact. It also encourages teens to view intimacy as something that is meant to entertain or impress rather than genuinely connect with another person. Another example is the "strawberries" video, which involves one partner placing a strawberry between their partner's butt cheeks and eating it. While this trend might seem funny at first, it objectifies the body and treats it as a tool for pleasure instead of celebrating its natural beauty and function.
When teens see these trends being normalized online, they may start to believe that certain behaviors are expected in romantic relationships.
If someone sees videos where partners are always going along with whatever the other wants, without any negotiation or communication, they may think that is what a healthy relationship looks like.
Healthy relationships involve mutual respect, open communication, and boundaries. These aspects of healthy relationships may not get much attention in social media trends because they don't make for good content.
In addition to promoting specific sexual behaviors, erotic trends on TikTok can reinforce negative stereotypes and beliefs about gender roles.
The "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" trends suggest that men should behave in certain ways to please their female partner, such as cooking dinner or doing chores around the house. This reinforces the idea that women need to be taken care of by men and perpetuates harmful gender norms. The same goes for the "prank" trend, where users pretend to be someone else to trick their partner into having sex. This encourages deception and mistrust rather than honest communication in intimate relationships.
To avoid unconscious relational patterns that reinforce harmful messages about sex, relationships, and intimacy, teens must recognize how TikTok erotic trends can impact their development. They should seek out more positive and realistic representations of love, sex, and relationships from reliable sources like parents, friends, teachers, and counselors.
Teens should consider talking to their partners about their desires and expectations before engaging in physical activity together. It's important to remember that everyone has different preferences and comfort levels when it comes to intimacy.
Teens who find themselves engaging in these types of trends should take a step back and evaluate why they are participating. Are they trying to fit in with their peers? Do they think this is what makes them seem cool or attractive? Do they have any underlying insecurities about themselves or their ability to form healthy relationships? Understanding these motivations may help adolescents make healthier choices when it comes to their sexuality and intimacy.
How do TikTok's viral erotic trends contribute to the rehearsal of sexual scripts in adolescent development, and what unconscious relational patterns do they reinforce?
There is no doubt that TikTok has changed the way young people interact with each other. One of the most popular trends on the platform is the creation of videos that promote erotica content. While some may argue that these types of posts are harmful to adolescents, others believe that they can be beneficial for their development. The main idea behind these trends is to rehearse various sexual scripts and explore different relational patterns.