Sexuality is an important aspect of human existence that encompasses all aspects of life, including artistic expression.
Digital platforms have become the primary mode of expressing one's sexuality due to their massive reach and accessibility. As social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram became more popular, it also became a venue for people to share their personal experiences and ideas about sexuality openly. This has led to an increased demand for algorithmic moderation policies around erotic content to curb the spread of obscene materials. These guidelines often reinforce traditional double standards of gender and sexuality, which can be psychologically taxing for users who must navigate between self-expression and suppression.
One example of how algorithmic moderation policies reinforce cultural double standards is through censorship of certain types of erotic content, particularly those that feature transgender individuals or non-binary genders. Transphobia is prevalent in many societies, and this prejudice may manifest itself in online platforms where transgender people are excluded from mainstream discussions about sexuality. Transgender individuals are often portrayed negatively in movies, television shows, and other forms of entertainment, creating a sense of otherness that extends into their real lives. When they post erotic content online, they face backlash because they do not conform to society's view of what sex should look like. This leads to self-censorship and self-suppression, leading to less visibility for transgender people in the digital world.
Another way that algorithms reinforce cultural double standards is by targeting content featuring same-sex relationships. Although LGBTQ+ people have made progress in recent years, homophobia remains widespread. The majority of countries still criminalize homosexuality, with harsh penalties such as death sentences or prison terms for gay men. This creates a hostile environment for queer people trying to express themselves openly on social media, forcing them to suppress their identities out of fear of legal consequences. In some cases, even posting content depicting two women kissing or holding hands can get someone banned from an app or website. This censorship limits the ability of queer people to connect with others who share similar experiences and interests, making it harder to build supportive communities outside of physical spaces.
Algorithms also reinforce traditional gender roles when moderating erotic content.
Only women are allowed to show cleavage or wear revealing clothing while men must remain fully clothed at all times. These restrictions perpetuate the idea that women's bodies exist solely for male pleasure, objectifying them and reducing their agency over their sexuality. Men's bodies, on the other hand, are seen as more powerful and masculine, which means they can display themselves without restriction. This double standard creates confusion among users who struggle with understanding how much skin they should show without violating platform rules.
Users navigate this tension between expression and suppression psychologically by developing strategies for navigating algorithmic guidelines. Some may resort to posting content with less explicit language or imagery while others choose to share content that is more suggestive than overt. Still, others create subversive artwork that pushes boundaries while remaining within the confines of platform policies. Despite these coping mechanisms, many users feel frustrated and restricted in what they can say online due to algorithms that reinforce cultural norms around gender and sexuality.
Algorithmic moderation policies around erotic content reinforce cultural double standards of gender and sexuality, leading to self-censorship and suppression among marginalized groups. Users navigate this tension through creative ways to express themselves while adhering to strict guidelines, but the constant policing takes a mental toll on their wellbeing. Platforms need to rethink their policies and work towards creating an inclusive environment where everyone can freely express themselves without fear of censorship or exclusion.
To what extent do algorithmic moderation policies around erotic content reinforce cultural double standards of gender and sexuality, and how do users psychologically navigate the tension between expression and suppression?
Algorithmic moderation policies around erotic content are seen as reinforcing cultural double standards of gender and sexuality because they cater to societal expectations that limit what is considered acceptable sexual expression. Users who want to express themselves through these means may be met with restrictions, which can create feelings of frustration and even shame.