The concept of personal values is integral to every aspect of life, from decision making to interpersonal communication to self-esteem. It can be defined as a set of principles or guidelines which an individual holds dear and considers important for themselves. These values may change throughout one's lifetime, but are generally shaped by various factors such as upbringing, culture, and experience.
It is often difficult to determine where these values come from or how they influence behavior without exploring them further.
One area where this is particularly true is in the realm of consumption habits. People will actively seek out certain types of entertainment that align with their personal belief systems while avoiding others.
Someone who believes strongly in traditional gender roles might consume media that reinforces those norms but steer clear of anything suggesting otherwise. The same goes for topics like sexuality - if one has strong religious convictions against sex outside marriage, then they would likely not consume erotic material that depicts non-traditional relationships.
There are times when people unconsciously consume media that contradicts their stated values. This can happen due to a variety of reasons including peer pressure, exposure therapy, or simply curiosity. When this occurs, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and guilt, as the person becomes aware of the discrepancy between what they claim to believe and what they actually enjoy viewing. This creates cognitive dissonance, which psychologists define as holding two conflicting ideas simultaneously.
In the context of erotic content, this could manifest itself as feeling guilty about watching pornography featuring people engaging in activities one finds immoral, like infidelity or BDSM. It could also include reading stories with characters engaging in taboo acts, even though they would never do so themselves. These uncomfortable thoughts and feelings are known as "dissonant arousal" - an intriguing phenomenon related to the study of human behavior.
So why does this occur? Some suggest that we have evolved to be curious creatures, always seeking new information despite our best efforts to suppress certain desires. Others argue that our brains may be wired to seek out novelty and excitement, regardless of whether it aligns with our belief systems. Whatever the case, there is no denying that consuming erotic content can trigger unconscious anxieties when it doesn't match up with our values.
The impact of these uncomfortable emotions can vary from person to person but often includes feelings of shame, embarrassment, and confusion. In some cases, individuals might actively avoid similar material in the future, while others may try to rationalize their actions by justifying them based on other factors such as personal taste or artistic merit.
This type of internal conflict can lead to self-doubt and questioning of one's own identity.
It is important for those experiencing dissonance to remember that their preferences don't make them bad people or immoral - everyone has unique tastes and interests. What matters most is how they choose to handle the discrepancy between what they enjoy and what they believe. By exploring their motivations and considering alternative viewpoints, they may be able to find a more comfortable place within themselves and resolve any lingering anxieties.
What unconscious anxieties arise when users consume erotic content that contradicts their stated values?
People can experience various levels of anxiety when consuming erotica that goes against their personal beliefs. The reasons for this could be due to societal pressure on conforming with social norms, fear of judgment from others, conflicting internal moral codes, or even a sense of guilt about enjoying something considered taboo.