TikTok is an app where users can create short video clips that are uploaded online for public viewing. In recent years, it has become popular among young people who use it to share videos related to various topics including music, comedy, dancing, fashion, and more recently, erotica. This new trend called "Erotic TikToks" has sparked controversy because of its explicit nature.
Researchers have found that watching these videos may influence unconscious relational scripts, sexual norms, and desire expectations in ways that we may never have imagined before.
Unconscious relational scripts refer to the underlying beliefs and attitudes about relationships that individuals hold without being aware of them. These scripts shape how they perceive romantic partners, what they look for in a partner, and their overall approach towards dating. When exposed to Erotic TikToks, viewers might develop unrealistic expectations about sex due to the hypersexualized content they watch. They may start to believe that all couples should engage in risky or adventurous sexual behavior or that all sexual encounters must be dramatic or extravagant. This could lead to frustration when their real-life experiences don't match up with their expectations, potentially leading to difficulties forming healthy relationships.
Sexual norms are social rules and values that dictate what is considered acceptable or desirable in terms of sexual activity. Watching Erotic TikToks may reinforce stereotypes such as women always wanting to please men sexually or men only enjoying certain types of activities. It can also create pressure on both genders to meet specific criteria for attractiveness and performance during sexual encounters. In addition, it can normalize behaviors like voyeurism and objectification, which can harm individual psyches over time.
Desire expectations are what an individual thinks is necessary to experience pleasure during sex. Watching Erotic TikToks can alter these expectations by presenting false ideas about what works best for different body types or preferences.
Some videos promote extreme BDSM practices while others showcase "vanilla" acts like making out or cuddling. These misconceptions could lead to disappointment if people try them without understanding their full implications.
Watching Erotic TikTok can impact one's views on intimacy and relationships unconsciously and consciously. While exploring new ways of expressing oneself sexually is essential, we should not let it become a source of anxiety or guilt. We must remember that every person has unique needs and wants, and what works for someone else might not work for us.
While Erotic TikToks offer exciting content, they can have negative effects on our perceptions of sex, relationships, and desire expectations. We need to be mindful when engaging with this material and understand its potential influence on our minds. By doing so, we can stay grounded in reality and avoid falling into the trap of unrealistic ideals presented online.
How does TikTok erotic trend participation influence unconscious relational scripts, sexual norms, and desire expectations?
The participation in TikTok's erotic trends can lead to changes in unconscious relational scripts, sexual norms, and desire expectations due to exposure to content that is considered as sexually explicit or sensual on such platforms. This exposure has been shown to affect individuals' perception of what constitutes acceptable sexual behavior and their desires towards it.