How does the circulation of erotic couple trends on TikTok normalize performative intimacy, and how does this impact offline relational spontaneity, privacy, and authenticity?
Sexual intimacy is an essential part of human relationships, but it can be difficult to discuss openly due to cultural stigma, taboo, and shame. Social media platforms like TikTok offer users the opportunity to explore their desires safely behind a screen.
These digital interactions may negatively influence real-life relationships if they become a substitute for authentic experiences.
This article investigates the impact of online erotic performances on offline romantic relationships. Specifically, it examines whether viewing sexy videos leads to increased expectations in romantic encounters, causing couples to feel pressure to recreate them. It also explores how these trends affect relationship privacy, as other people may witness these displays without consent.
It considers the potential lack of personal investment that comes from performing erotica solely for likes or attention.
Methodology
The research method includes analyzing academic literature on sexuality, social media use, and performance studies. The author draws insights from psychological theories related to arousal and attraction, as well as sociological perspectives on public vs private spheres. This analysis will inform hypotheses about the effects of performative intimacy on personal interactions.
Findings
Preliminary findings suggest that couples who engage with erotic content on social media may struggle to maintain authentic relationships outside of the internet. Performances of sexuality can create unrealistic expectations, leading to dissatisfaction when partners do not meet them.
Public eroticism diminishes privacy by making intimate moments accessible to others without permission.
These performances may be performed primarily for an audience's approval, reducing their significance within the context of the relationship.
How does the circulation of erotic couple trends on TikTok normalize performative intimacy, and how does this impact offline relational spontaneity, privacy, and authenticity?
While many people enjoy watching videos featuring couples engaging in intimate acts such as kissing, cuddling, and having sex on platforms like TikTok, it is important to consider the potential effects of these trends on real-life relationships. The circulation of erotic couple content on social media can create unrealistic expectations for some viewers and pressure them to replicate what they see online in their own lives.