TikTok is a social media platform that has become increasingly popular among young adults, especially those interested in exploring their sexuality and intimate relations. It allows users to share short videos of themselves dancing, lip-syncing, acting out scenes, and expressing themselves creatively.
Some users have taken this to another level by participating in erotic trends such as "wet t-shirt challenge" and "buss it challenge". These trends involve creating videos of themselves engaging in acts that would typically be considered private and intimate. While these trends can be fun and entertaining, they also have an impact on unconscious relational scripts, sexual norms, and desire expectations.
Unconscious relational scripts refer to the patterns and beliefs that shape how people interact with one another in romantic and sexual relationships. Participation in TikTok's erotic trends may reinforce certain unconscious relational scripts related to sex and sexuality.
If someone sees many videos of people engaging in public displays of affection or sexual behavior, they may start to believe that this is the way relationships should look like. This can lead to unrealistic expectations about what is normal and acceptable in a relationship.
It can create pressure for individuals to perform these behaviors to fit into societal norms, even if they are not comfortable doing so.
Sexual norms are the values, attitudes, and beliefs that society holds regarding sexual behavior. Participation in TikTok's erotic trends can challenge these norms and blur the lines between public and private spaces. By sharing explicit content online, individuals may challenge traditional ideas about modesty and privacy. This can open up new conversations around sexuality and relationships but can also make it difficult for people who don't want to participate in these trends to feel included or accepted.
Desire expectations refer to what individuals think their partner wants or expects from them during sexual encounters. The prevalence of erotic trends on TikTok may lead to individuals having higher expectations for sexual performance, leading to increased pressure and anxiety. It can also lead to unrealistic assumptions about what others find attractive or desirable, leading to feelings of inadequacy or shame.
Participation in TikTok's erotic trends can have both positive and negative effects on our perceptions of sex, sexuality, and intimacy. While they provide an opportunity for self-expression and exploration, they also reinforce cultural ideals that may be harmful to some individuals. It's important to recognize how our media consumption impacts our beliefs and actions in all areas of life, including our relationships.
How does TikTok erotic trend participation affect unconscious relational scripts, sexual norms, and desire expectations?
Participating in TikTok's erotic trends may impact how individuals perceive relationships, sex, and desire by altering their subconscious beliefs and social norms surrounding them. As people engage with this content on social media platforms like TikTok, they may become more open to exploring new ideas and fantasies outside of what is considered "normal" or traditional in society.