The popular video-sharing social media platform TikTok has experienced an explosion in user growth and usage, particularly among younger generations. With its emphasis on short-form videos and the ease of creating content, it has become a hub for creators to showcase their talents, share stories, and connect with like-minded individuals.
One trend that has emerged on TikTok is the increasing prevalence of "erotic" content, which often features explicit or suggestive material designed to titillate viewers. This begs the question: how does this erotic virality affect internalization of performative relational norms among young users?
To answer this question, we must first define what constitutes "performative relational norms." Performative relational norms refer to the socially constructed expectations surrounding gender roles, sexuality, intimacy, and relationships that are communicated through language and behavior within specific contexts. They can be seen as sets of rules that govern interactions between people, such as those governing courtship rituals or dating etiquette. These norms can vary widely across cultures, time periods, and subcultures, but they play a significant role in shaping our understandings of sex, romance, and love.
What happens when these performative relational norms collide with erotic content on TikTok? One theory suggests that exposure to this type of material could lead to internalization - the process by which individuals adopt beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors from their environment. By seeing others engage in activities or express desires through their content, viewers may start to internalize these ideas and incorporate them into their own lives.
If someone sees a creator making jokes about having casual sex, they might begin to normalize that behavior and even try it themselves. This can have consequences for how they approach future relationships and communicate with potential partners.
Some argue that exposure to explicit content on TikTok may actually challenge performative relational norms. By showing different perspectives on sexuality and relationship dynamics, creators may encourage viewers to rethink traditional notions of what is acceptable or expected in their own lives. This can be empowering for young users who feel constrained by societal expectations or who identify as LGBTQ+. It can also foster greater self-awareness and openness to exploration, leading to more fulfilling and authentic connections in the long run.
The impact of erotic virality on performative relational norms among young users depends on many factors. Individual factors such as age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, cultural background, and personal beliefs all play a role in shaping how someone interprets and responds to TikTok content.
One thing is clear: as this trend continues to grow on the platform, we must consider its implications for our understandings of intimacy, desire, and social mores.
How does TikTok erotic virality affect internalization of performative relational norms among young users?
Research on digital platforms like TikTok has shown that it can lead to increased exposure to sexual content, which may influence young people's beliefs about relationships and sex. The platform creates an environment where performance is rewarded, with creators gaining more attention for their videos if they conform to certain expectations of beauty, body type, and behavior.