The idea that intimate gestures such as hugging, kissing, and sex can be performed for the sake of social media algorithms is not new. In fact, it has been discussed in various contexts in recent years, including the way people interact online through dating apps, video games, and even the metaverse.
There are also studies that suggest that these actions may have emotional repercussions beyond what one might initially think.
One study published in the Journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that performing romantic behaviors for social approval can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. According to the authors, this could be due to the fact that individuals who engage in such behaviors are more likely to feel pressured into doing so, which can create negative feelings about their own desires and motivations. Another study from the same journal found that people who engaged in sexual activity for social reasons reported lower levels of satisfaction and pleasure than those who did so for other reasons.
Some researchers argue that performing sensual acts for social media can actually increase self-esteem and improve relationships.
A study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that individuals who posted photos of themselves engaging in sexual behavior with their partner reported higher relationship quality compared to those who didn't post such photos. The authors suggest that this is because posting such images can reinforce positive perceptions of oneself and one's relationship.
While performing intimate acts for social media algorithms can have both positive and negative consequences, it seems that the overall effect on an individual's mental health depends on their motivation for doing so. Those who perform such gestures out of genuine desire or as part of a healthy relationship may not experience any negative effects, but those who do so under pressure or for purely social approval may find themselves struggling with feelings of guilt, shame, and dissatisfaction.
What emotional consequences arise from performing romantic or sensual behaviors for social algorithms?
One of the emotional consequences that could arise from performing romantic or sensual behaviors for social algorithms is the feeling of discomfort or embarrassment. People may feel uncomfortable sharing intimate details about themselves online, particularly if they are not used to doing so publicly. Additionally, there may be concerns around privacy and security, as users need to trust that their personal information will not be misused by the algorithm.