Facebook's Community Standards prohibit nudity, violence, harassment, pornography, graphic gore, hate speech, terrorist propaganda, drug sales, suicide glamorization, and more. But despite these restrictions, there are still some users who find ways to communicate about their sexual desires through cryptic messages that hint at specific acts without explicitly stating them. These codes of erotic expression may generate communities where members feel safe enough to be themselves and form meaningful connections with others. They can also create feelings of secrecy and belonging within those groups.
One example of this is the "NSFW" ("Not Safe For Work") subculture on Facebook. This group posts photos and videos that are too explicit for work environments but not necessarily illegal under Facebook's guidelines. Members share images and videos with sexually suggestive themes such as thongs, lingerie, cleavage shots, and provocative poses while avoiding full nudity or hardcore pornographic imagery. They often describe the material as "artistic," "wholesome," or "tasteful." The community has spawned many spinoff groups focused on different fetishes, including bondage, BDSM, feet worship, and more.
Other secret groups exist for more taboo topics like consensual incest or non-consensual sexual encounters. While both are prohibited by Facebook, they have active communities that use coded language and symbolism to discuss their interests without breaking rules. Members of these groups often talk about fantasies involving family members or strangers in a way that skirts around any overtly illegal content. Some even claim to be in abusive relationships with partners who enjoy humiliation or punishment play.
These hidden communities provide an outlet for people whose desires fall outside mainstream norms. They offer a sense of validation and support that may otherwise be lacking in real life.
There are risks involved. Secret groups can create a false sense of security, leaving participants vulnerable to exploitation or exposure if discovered by law enforcement or other authorities.
Some users may feel ashamed or guilty for participating in activities considered deviant or immoral by others.
Facebook's approach to explicit speech creates tension between its desire to maintain a safe environment and the need for people to express themselves freely. As long as there is demand for erotic communication online, these communities will likely persist despite efforts to regulate them.
How do Facebook's rules around explicit sexual speech generate hidden communities of coded erotic expression, and how does this shape psychological experiences of secrecy and belonging?
Facebook's rules around explicit sexual speech have generated a culture of coded erotic expression among its users, creating an environment where people feel more comfortable expressing their desires and needs without fear of being judged or censored. This can lead to feelings of inclusion and belonging for those who participate in these groups, as they are able to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences.