What is TikTok?
TikTok is an online video-sharing social networking service owned by Chinese company ByteDance Ltd., headquartered in Beijing, China. Launched in September 2016, it has become one of the most downloaded mobile apps worldwide with more than a billion monthly active users as of 2021. Its user base primarily comprises teenagers and young adults aged between 16 to 24 years old.
How does TikTok work?
TikTok allows users to create short videos that can be up to 60 seconds long using music clips, filters, effects, and editing tools available within the app. Users can then share their videos with others through their feeds, comment sections, and direct messages. The platform has been praised for its creative potential but also criticized for its addictive nature and potential risks to mental health and privacy concerns.
Erotic Content on TikTok
Some creators have used TikTok to explore erotic themes such as nudity, sexuality, intimacy, fetishes, kinks, and BDSM. These videos often feature explicit language, suggestive gestures, suggestive poses, and provocative dance moves. While some users find this type of content entertaining and empowering, others argue that it objectifies women's bodies and promotes unrealistic beauty standards.
Impact on Relational Norms
The increasing popularity of erotic content on TikTok is challenging traditional norms around relationships and sex.
The idea of monogamy is being questioned as many viewers see multiple partners in a single video or use dating apps to meet people IRL (in real life). This could lead to an increase in casual encounters and non-committal hookups rather than long-term relationships.
Sexual Scripts
Many young people are influenced by the ideas they see on TikTok regarding what is acceptable behavior during sex. Some videos portray aggressive or violent acts while others promote consensual kink or roleplaying. This blurring of lines between reality and fantasy can confuse teenagers who may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.
Acceptable Expressions of Desire
TikTok has also been accused of normalizing unhealthy expressions of desire, such as obsessively tracking down someone's location or asking for nude photos before even meeting in person. These behaviors can be dangerous and emotionally damaging, leading to stalking or harassment if taken too far.
TikTok erotic content can influence young users' perceptions of relational norms, sexual scripts, and acceptable expressions of desire. While some find it empowering, others worry about its potential negative impact on mental health and safety. Parents and educators should monitor their children's usage of the app and provide guidance on healthy relationships, consent, and personal boundaries.
To what extent does TikTok erotic content influence young users' perception of relational norms, sexual scripts, and acceptable expressions of desire?
Research shows that exposure to sexually explicit material, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, can have both positive and negative effects on teenagers' understanding of relational norms, sexual scripts, and acceptable expressions of desire. On one hand, exposure to such content can increase their knowledge about different forms of sexual expression and desires and help them develop healthier attitudes towards sexuality.