Sexual humor has always been a part of human culture, but it has evolved significantly over time. In recent years, social media platforms have become major sites for the dissemination of sexually charged material, including erotic jokes that normalize sexual expression. One platform where this is particularly prevalent is TikTok, which features an array of erotic humor trends that have gained widespread popularity among its users. While these trends can be funny and entertaining, they also impose unconscious performance pressure in relational contexts by making users feel obligated to conform to certain standards of sexual behavior.
The most common type of erotic humor on TikTok involves lip-syncing videos in which people sing songs about sex while dancing provocatively. These videos are often filmed from the waist up, showing only the face and upper body of the performer. They often feature suggestive lyrics and choreography, and some even incorporate props such as whipped cream or feather boas. The tone of these videos is generally playful and lighthearted, but they can also be seen as objectifying women and promoting harmful stereotypes about female sexuality.
Another trend on TikTok is the use of "bouncing" filters, which make objects (or parts of the body) appear to bounce up and down. This effect is commonly used in erotic humor videos featuring breasts, butts, and other body parts. Users may apply the filter to their own bodies or create animations with objects like basketballs or bubbles. Some viewers find this type of humor humorous, but it can also contribute to a culture of hypersexualization and reinforce narrow definitions of what is acceptable for male and female bodies.
A third trend involves "flirtatious" interactions between users.
One video shows two men flirting with each other using "gay lingo," while another features a man trying to impress a woman by describing his sexual exploits. While these types of jokes can be funny, they also normalize certain behaviors that might not be appropriate outside of a virtual context. In addition, they can put pressure on individuals to act a certain way during sex or dating, leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.
The widespread presence of erotic humor on TikTok has both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it allows people to express themselves creatively and explore their sexuality in a safe and supportive environment. On the other hand, it reinforces normative gender roles and creates unconscious performance pressures around sex. By recognizing the complexities of these trends, we can appreciate them while remaining mindful of their potential impacts on our relationships and self-esteem.
How do TikTok erotic humor trends normalize sexual expression while imposing unconscious performance pressure in relational contexts?
TikTok's popularity as a platform for sharing videos has led to the emergence of various trends related to sex and relationships. One such trend is erotic humor, which often involves playful jokes about sex that are intended to arouse viewers. This type of content can be enjoyable and entertaining, but it also carries with it certain risks.