Instagram has been an influential platform for people to showcase their personalities through photographs since its launch in October 2010. With more than 1 billion monthly active users as of March 2020, it has become one of the most popular social media apps among young adults and teenagers around the world.
Recently there has been increased attention on how Instagram users are using this platform to promote and sell themselves online. This trend is called "influencer marketing" or "sponsored content", where brands pay individuals to post about their products and services in exchange for monetary compensation. One area that has gained particular attention is the intersection between Instagram's culture of self-presentation and economic survival. How do people make money from sharing their bodies and identities on Instagram? What role does sexuality play in this process? These questions require examination because they reflect larger societal pressures related to neoliberalism, which relies on individual responsibility instead of state support or collective action.
Neoliberalism is a political philosophy that promotes free markets, deregulation, privatization, and individual responsibility. It emphasizes competition over cooperation, private enterprise over public ownership, and consumer choice over collective decision making. Neoliberal policies have led to growing inequality, precariousness, and exploitation. People are forced into precarious jobs with low wages, no job security, and few benefits. They are also expected to take care of themselves by investing in education and skills training. In other words, people must rely on their own talents and resources to succeed. In such an environment, some may choose to turn to sex work as a way to earn income.
On Instagram, many people use erotic self-presentation to gain followers and sponsorships.
Models may post photos of themselves wearing swimsuits or lingerie, dancers may post videos of them dancing suggestively, and sex workers may post photos of themselves engaging in various acts. By doing so, these users can attract brands who want to pay for exposure to their audience. Influencers can also monetize their desirability through advertising deals or affiliate marketing agreements.
There is a catch: the more intimate and sexualized the content becomes, the greater the risk of backlash from conservative viewers or potential clients. This tension between personal expression and economic survival raises important questions about how we should think about sex work and the role of social media platforms in shaping cultural norms around gender, race, class, and identity.
Many influencers must negotiate this tightrope between expressing themselves authentically while appealing to mainstream audiences who value traditional ideas of beauty, respectability, and morality. The pressure to conform to certain standards can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and shame among those who do not fit into these expectations. At the same time, neoliberalism encourages individuals to compete with one another rather than cooperating or working collectively for shared goals. As such, it can be difficult for influencers to find support outside of social media networks like Instagram where they feel pressured to perform and display certain behaviors that are often criticized by others.
Instagram has become an influential platform for people to sell themselves online as part of the broader trend towards individual responsibility under neoliberalism. It allows them to share their bodies and identities in ways that were previously taboo but now accepted due to changing attitudes towards sex and sexuality.
This shift also comes with risks and consequences that go beyond the digital realm into our wider society. People who use Instagram for sex work may face stigma and discrimination, which can make finding other jobs more challenging. Moreover, the emphasis on individual performance may push some users into unhealthy habits or relationships that prioritize profit over well-being.
How does Instagram erotic self-presentation intersect with economic survival, as users monetize their desirability under neoliberal pressures?
Instagram is a social media platform where people can share photos and videos of themselves. It has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among young adults who want to showcase their lives online. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of users who post explicit content on the app, often using it for financial gain through advertising deals or selling subscriptions to followers. This trend raises questions about how sexuality and capitalism interact on the app.