TikTok is an online platform for sharing short videos, often focused on music or dance, that has become increasingly popular among young people since its release in 2016.
It is also known for some content creators who use jokes about sex and relationships to attract views. In particular, some users have taken advantage of the app's algorithm to create comedic videos about sexual topics, such as consensual boundaries. While this may seem harmless at first glance, the humor used in these videos can actually reshape societal norms around consent and blur the line between what is appropriate behavior and what is considered assault. This essay will explore how TikTok erotic humor can influence social attitudes towards consent and why it needs to be addressed more seriously.
How TikTok Erotic Humor Reshapes Norms Around Consent
One way TikTok erotic humor reshapes norms around consent is by presenting it as entertainment rather than a serious issue. Many of these videos are presented as funny skits or parodies, where characters joke about violating someone else's personal space or engaging in nonconsensual activity.
One video titled "Dating Advice" shows a man walking up behind his girlfriend while she is eating dinner and saying he wants to try something new before proceeding to kiss her without permission. The humor comes from the absurdity of the situation, but it also normalizes boundary-crossing behavior and suggests that consent is not necessary for a healthy relationship.
Impact on Social Attitudes Towards Consent
This type of humor can have a significant impact on social attitudes towards consent, particularly among young people who spend a lot of time online. When they see jokes about sexually inappropriate behavior being treated as humorous, they may start to view consent as less important and begin to take risks with their own relationships. In fact, studies have shown that teenagers who watch this type of content are more likely to engage in sexual behavior without properly considering the other person's feelings or desires.
The platform's algorithm often promotes popular videos that feature this kind of humor, which perpetuates the idea that consent is not necessary for a successful romantic encounter.
Addressing the Issue of Erotic Humor on TikTok
While some users argue that erotic humor on TikTok is simply meant to be entertaining and should not be taken seriously, there needs to be a way to address the potential impact on societal norms around consent. One possible solution could involve including educational materials in the app, such as resources explaining what constitutes consensual activity and how to recognize red flags when someone is violating your boundaries. Another approach would be to hold creators accountable for the content they produce by reporting any videos that promote dangerous behaviors or attitudes. By taking these steps, TikTok can help ensure that its platform remains safe and respectful for all users while also recognizing the seriousness of issues like consent.
How does TikTok erotic humor reshape norms around consent, as joking frames serious boundaries as entertainment?
By normalizing sexual jokes and innuendos, TikTok's erotic humor has shifted cultural attitudes towards consent from a respectful and responsible attitude to one that sees it as amusing and playful. This can make people more likely to cross boundaries and take advantage of others, especially if they believe that what is being shown on social media reflects reality.