How does TikTok erotic virality create cycles of social comparison, relational insecurity, and performative desire?
In this essay, I will discuss how TikTok's algorithm for recommending erotic content leads to cycles of social comparison, relational insecurity, and performative desire among its users. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among young people who have grown up with technology and are used to instant gratification and constant exposure to new media.
First Paragraph: Explanation of Social Comparison
Let's look at the concept of social comparison theory. According to this theory, individuals compare themselves with others to evaluate their own worth. In today's digital age, where social media platforms like TikTok offer an endless stream of images and videos that can be easily compared, it is easy to feel inadequate when viewing other people's lives through a filtered lens. This creates feelings of envy and low self-esteem, leading to negative effects such as anxiety and depression. When it comes to sexual content on TikTok, many users may find themselves feeling pressured to live up to the standards set by popular creators, which often include highly stylized and edited footage of intimate moments between couples or individuals.
Second Paragraph: Impact on Relationships
The impact of TikTok erotic virality on relationships cannot be understated. When users see videos of perfect intimacy, they may begin to question their own relationships and wonder if they measure up. This can lead to insecurity and communication issues within partnerships, causing further damage to already fragile bonds.
Viewers may develop unrealistic expectations about what sex should look like, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction in real life experiences. The constant bombardment of idealized sexuality on the app can also cause feelings of disconnection from one's own body and physical desires.
Third Paragraph: Performative Desire
Performative desire is another key component of TikTok's impact on its user base. Performative desire refers to the need to demonstrate one's own desirability or attractiveness online. In order to do this, some users may post videos that exaggerate or fabricate aspects of their sexual encounters for maximum engagement. This can create a cycle where users feel pressure to perform in order to receive validation from others, even if they don't necessarily enjoy the behavior being performed.
This cycle can lead to burnout and decreased satisfaction with one's own sexual expression.
TikTok's algorithm for recommending erotic content has profound effects on its users, creating cycles of social comparison, relational insecurity, and performative desire that can be harmful both individually and societally. It is important for young people to understand these effects and take steps towards healthy self-esteem and positive relationship building, without relying too heavily on the instant gratification provided by the app.
How does TikTok erotic virality create cycles of social comparison, relational insecurity, and performative desire?
One possible way in which TikTok erotic virality creates cycles of social comparison, relational insecurity, and performative desire is through the creation of unrealistic expectations about sexuality and relationships. By presenting highly edited and stylized content that often exaggerates certain aspects of sex and intimacy, users may be led to believe that their own experiences are not as exciting or fulfilling as they should be.