Beyond the Bedroom A Look at Sexual Culture
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The Portrayal of Sexual Culture in Online Networks
The Internet has revolutionalized the way we interact with one another, providing us with the opportunity to connect and engage with people from all around the world in a more comfortable, convenient way. However, with great power comes great responsibility; the Internet has opened up possibilities for both connection and exploitation. From x-rated images to risqué chat rooms, the digital landscape is chock-full of sexual content that has the potential to distort our perceptions of human relations.
From the onset of the digital age, the sharing of sexual content has been rather ubiquitous. However, the roles and representations of sexuality have shifted with the times, and with technology and trends. For example, websites like Tumblr have been known to house a variety of sexual content, and it has become commonplace for users to post explicit photos and create Fandoms dedicated to sexual acts and fetishes—mainly built upon a shared entertainment or interest. There is nothing wrong with engaging with sexual culture, but it is important to be aware and conscious of the implications that this type of behavior can have.
Impacts of Sexual Culture On Society
Studies have shown that the increased extent of the availability of sexual content can result in a distorted and unrealistic understanding of the act of sex, as well as human relations. Through virtual interactions, these attitudes can become embodied, leading to the commodification of women’s bodies and the mistreatment and objectification of individuals. This phenomenon does not only arise online, but can also lead to or exacerbate offline issues, such as domestic or sexual abuse.
Additionally, it appears as though involvement in online sexual culture can be disadvantageous for the less privileged groups in our society, such as minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. Stereotypes are often justified and reinforced when engaging with sexual content online, leading to an unsafe and threatening online environment for these individuals.
Establishing a Decent Standard on the Web
Essentially, it is necessary to ensure a decent standard of interaction and respect when engaging with sexual content online, especially as a vast majority of platforms are not adults-only. Internet users should strive to create a safe, comfortable and consensual environment both in their own online interactions and when consuming sexual content.
Below are some tips to ensure a respectful experience when engaging with sexual culture on the Internet:
- Be respectful: Always be mindful when communicating or commenting on explicit photos/videos/posts—don’t engage in hate-speech or objectification.
- Be aware: Know when to draw the line between sexual entertainment and real-world interactions – make sure your online behavior is appropriate for a real-world context.
- Be responsible: Do your best to make sure the content you’re consuming or producing is from or for responsible adults, and don’t encourage exploitative practices.
It’s important to note that engaging in sexual culture can be a positive and healthy experience if done so in a respectful, conscious and responsible way. However, it’s key to consider the implications of our interactions in an effort to protect both yourself and those around you.