Instagram is an image sharing social media platform that allows users to share pictures and videos from their daily lives. It has become increasingly popular among young people who want to showcase themselves online. While Instagram provides users with opportunities for self-expression, it also creates a space where they can present themselves in a curated way that may distort reality. Users create a persona that is not always reflective of who they are in real life. This affects how they interact with others, including those they see as potential romantic partners. This paper will discuss how Instagram's aesthetic-driven environments influence users' ability to differentiate between authentic intimacy and performative erotic self-presentation.
One issue that this paper explores is the relationship between Instagram and sexuality. People often post images of themselves engaging in sexual acts or posing provocatively on the app. These posts provide visual stimulation but do not necessarily convey genuine emotions. Users may be performing for the camera rather than expressing themselves authentically. As a result, they may struggle to connect emotionally with their partner when they meet them in person. They may feel pressure to live up to the expectations created by their online personas, which can lead to tension and frustration.
Another problem is the impact of Instagram's aesthetics on relationships. The app promotes a certain look and lifestyle that many find attractive. But these images do not accurately represent what most people experience in real life. Real life is messy and unpredictable; Instagram creates an idealized world where everything seems perfect. This disconnect leads to confusion about what constitutes normalcy in relationships. It makes it harder for users to accept differences between their partner and themselves. In some cases, they may end up rejecting each other because of these differences.
This paper argues that Instagram has become a powerful tool for creating false impressions about love and sex. Users need to be aware of its limitations and be cautious about relying too much on the images they see there. They should approach relationships with openness and honesty to avoid disappointment and heartbreak. By being mindful of how Instagram affects intimacy and eroticism, users can have healthier and more fulfilling relationships both online and offline.
How do Instagram's aesthetic-driven environments influence users' ability to differentiate between authentic intimacy and performative erotic self-presentation?
Instagram's visual and highly curated aesthetics can influence its user's perception of genuine intimacy and sexually explicit content. The platform allows individuals to create an image of themselves through photos and videos they post. It is easy for users to portray themselves as more attractive than they are, thereby encouraging sexual overperformance.