Instagram is an image-based social media platform that has become increasingly popular among young people, particularly teenagers and college students. It allows users to share photos and videos of themselves, their friends, and celebrities they admire. This app has recently been linked to several controversial issues, including body image pressure, cyberbullying, and even suicide.
Its influence extends beyond these topics and can be seen in how it shapes sexual norms and experimentation among youth.
One way Instagram contributes to shaping sexual norms is through its "explore" feature. This feature suggests users different accounts based on their interests and follows. When searching for sexualnorms, one will find many suggestive pictures and stories posted by influencers who promote unrealistic standards of beauty and sexiness. These include posts featuring women posing seductively in underwear or lingerie, showing off their curves, and playing with their hair while exposing their breasts. Some posts show couples kissing passionately, touching each other intimately, or engaging in sexual acts. While some users may find this entertaining, others may feel pressured to live up to these standards.
Another way Instagram influences sexual norms is through the type of content creators produce. Many influencers create sponsored posts promoting products related to sexuality, such as condoms, lubricants, vibrators, and intimacy kits. They also post about dating tips, relationship advice, and sexual wellness. This creates a culture where young people are encouraged to explore their sexuality and try new things.
Instagram users have access to many accounts that share explicit videos and photos without any censorship. Users can interact with these posts and comment on them publicly, creating an environment of acceptance for risky behavior.
TikTok, another social media platform popular among teens, has similar effects on sexual norms and experimentation. It allows users to create short videos of themselves dancing, singing, or just talking about random topics.
Many TikToks involve sexual content, including lip-syncing to songs about hookups, discussions about sexual preferences, and even instructional videos on how to perform certain acts. The app's algorithm recommends similar content to users based on their viewing habits, leading to a cycle of more suggestive material.
Snapchat is an app that lets users send temporary messages and pictures, which disappear after they are viewed. It has become known for its sexually explicit content, especially "snaps" sent between friends or strangers. These snaps often include nudes, suggestive poses, or other intimate moments captured on camera. While this may be seen as harmless fun, it can lead to pressure from others to engage in risky behaviors and contribute to unrealistic expectations of what is normal or acceptable in bedrooms across the country.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat contribute to shaping sexual norms and experimentation among youth by promoting unrealistic standards of beauty and encouraging young people to explore their sexuality. This leads to increased pressure on individuals to live up to these standards and engage in risky behavior, potentially harmful outcomes. Parents should monitor their children's usage of these apps and talk to them openly about healthy relationships and safe sexual practices.
How do platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat contribute to shaping sexual norms and experimentation among youth?
While social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can be influential in shaping sexual norms and experimentation among young people, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for how these platforms affect them. Research shows that the impact of social media on sexual behavior varies depending on individual factors such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and cultural background.