Instagram is an online social media platform where users can share photos, videos, stories, and messages with others who have similar interests. It has become increasingly popular among individuals to showcase their personal lives, experiences, and hobbies.
One aspect that is becoming more prevalent is the presence of erotic content. This type of content is often posted by people who are interested in displaying themselves in a sexy manner or promoting themselves as potential partners. But how does this influence unconscious criteria for partner selection, attractiveness, and relational compatibility?
Let's consider what makes someone physically attractive. Many studies suggest that physical attraction is based primarily on facial symmetry, as well as certain features such as clear skin, high cheekbones, full lips, and a symmetrical jawline. Instagram erotic content may be influencing these unconscious criteria by featuring models with idealized versions of these traits.
A model with fuller lips may appear more attractive than someone without them, even if they don't actually have any real impact on sexual performance. As a result, viewers could start to subconsciously associate certain physical characteristics with desirability.
Let's look at emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy involves a deep connection between two people that goes beyond just sharing a bed. It includes feelings of trust, mutual respect, open communication, and shared values. Instagram erotic content could potentially influence this area of relational compatibility by creating unrealistic expectations.
A viewer might see an image of two people in a passionate embrace and assume that all relationships should be like that. This can lead to disappointment when their own relationships fall short of those expectations.
It may cause the viewer to prioritize physical attraction over other important aspects of a relationship.
There is the issue of sexual compatibility. While physical attraction plays a role here, so do things like sexual preferences, personality traits, and communication styles.
Instagram erotic content often focuses solely on visual elements and leaves out important details about what makes someone sexually compatible. As a result, viewers may end up selecting partners based on superficial qualities rather than deeper ones.
We need to consider how Instagram erotic content influences our perceptions of ourselves. If users are constantly bombarded with images of idealized bodies and lifestyles, it can create a sense of self-doubt or inadequacy. This can lead to issues such as body dysmorphia or negative self-image. It may also make them feel pressured to conform to certain standards for physical attractiveness or lifestyle choices.
Instagram erotic content has the potential to shape unconscious criteria for partner selection, attractiveness, and relational compatibility. By presenting only one side of the story, it can set unrealistic expectations and promote a narrow definition of "ideal." Users must take care not to let this influence their decision-making process too much, as it could harm their personal well-being and relationships.
How does Instagram erotic content influence unconscious criteria for partner selection, attractiveness, and relational compatibility?
Instagram erotic content has been shown to influence individuals' perception of what constitutes as attractive and desirable when it comes to potential romantic partners (Fine et al. , 2019). This can lead to an increased likelihood of selecting partners who meet these standards and may also impact how compatible they are with the individual (Lepore & Higgins, 2020).