The concept of "professional" has been traditionally associated with certain levels of formality and restraint. In the past, professionals were expected to conduct themselves in accordance with strict codes of behavior that excluded any display of personal feelings, including those related to sexuality or romance. As technology advances and communication between colleagues becomes more frequent and intimate, many professionals have begun to express their feelings through digital means such as email, instant messaging, texting, social media, and video conferencing.
Some fear that these channels could be used against them if they reveal too much about their private lives or personal interests, leading to professional consequences. This fear can stem from unconscious anxieties about being judged for having non-traditional desires or beliefs. The following sections will explore what unconscious anxieties are revealed when people worry about the potential repercussions of erotic digital expression at work.
What is Professionalism?
Professionals are expected to behave in a certain way at work, which often includes maintaining a distance between personal life and work life. Traditionally, this meant dressing in formal attire, speaking politely, and adhering to specific rules of behavior within the office environment. Professionalism was also linked to self-control, discipline, punctuality, and respectability. In some cases, these expectations were rooted in gender norms where men were seen as dominant and authoritative while women were seen as submissive and nurturing. These ideas have changed over time, but there remains an underlying expectation of self-restraint when it comes to one's appearance, language, and behavior.
How has Technology Changed Workplace Communication?
Technology has made it easier than ever for professionals to communicate with each other on a daily basis outside of face-to-face interactions. Email, instant messaging, texting, social media platforms, and video conferencing tools all allow colleagues to connect instantly without the need for physical proximity. This has led to increased intimacy among coworkers who may not see each other frequently in person. As a result, many professionals feel more comfortable expressing themselves digitally, including through emotional and erotic expressions.
Fear of Revealing Personal Interests
Despite this openness, many professionals still fear that sharing too much about their personal lives could lead to negative consequences at work. This fear can stem from unconscious anxieties about being judged or discriminated against based on non-traditional desires or beliefs.
Someone might worry that revealing they are LGBTQ+ would jeopardize their career prospects or that sharing photos of their partner would be seen as inappropriate by colleagues. Similarly, someone who engages in consensual kinky sex or BDSM activities might worry that these interests could be used against them if revealed publicly. These worries suggest a deep-seated anxiety about being "found out" for having alternative lifestyles or preferences.
Potential Professional Consequences
While there is no legal requirement to maintain professionalism in digital communication, some employers have policies in place forbidding certain types of expression or behavior.
Colleagues may use information shared digitally to make decisions about an individual's suitability for promotion or advancement within the organization. A recent study found that workers were more likely to receive promotions when they showed emotion online, but only if they did so discreetly (i.e., using initialisms instead of full words). This suggests that there is still some fear surrounding the display of intimacy and vulnerability in the workplace, even when it comes to positive emotions like excitement or joy.
The fear of professional repercussions for erotic digital expression reflects larger societal attitudes toward sexuality and intimacy. It also suggests that many professionals feel pressure to conform to traditional expectations of what is acceptable at work, despite technological advances allowing greater openness. By understanding this anxiety, we can better support individuals who choose to express themselves digitally while helping to create a culture where all voices are heard and respected regardless of personal background or beliefs.
What unconscious anxieties are revealed in the fear of professional consequences for erotic digital expression?
There are several unconscious anxieties that may be related to professional consequences for erotic digital expression. One common concern is the potential loss of job security if employers find out about an individual's online behavior. Another anxiety may stem from concerns about social stigma or shame associated with publicly expressing one's sexuality or desires.