How Social Media Shapes Our Views on Sexuality

In a world where swiping, liking, and following have become second nature, it’s worth saying that social media has a pretty big impact on how we see ourselves and our sexuality. Constant exposure to hyper curated content unfortunately makes it easy to lose sight of our own desires and needs. But, as they say, knowing is half the battle. And when we know, we can do two things:

 1) Better understand how these platforms shape our views 

 2) Make tweaks to better embrace our individuality and sexual identity

Positive Impact: Empowering Exploration 
Social media can be a powerful tool for exploring sexuality. It gives us access to diverse perspectives, normalizes conversations about sex, and offers a sense of community for those who feel isolated. Seeing others share their stories and experiences can encourage self-reflection and experimentation in a safe space, helping us to understand our own preferences and boundaries. 

Negative Impact: Pressure to Conform
On the flip side, the pressure to conform to certain sexual norms and standards is real. Influencers and trends can create unrealistic expectations, making us feel like we need to look or act a certain way to be desirable. This can lead to a disconnect from our true selves, where we start prioritizing external validation over genuine self-discovery and self-love. Tons of research has shown that social media use can negatively impact self-esteem and even lead to disordered eating habits. 

How Do I Know if I'm Being Impacted?
If you find yourself questioning your worth based on likes, having sex problems you didn’t have before, or feeling inexplicably anxious – sometimes immediately after lowering your phone to focus on something else – social media might be impacting you. Take it a step further. Are you making choices that feel true to you, or are you trying to match what you see online? Reflecting can help you figure out if your views on sexuality are being influenced more so by outside powers vs. your own desires. 

Maximizing Positives & Minimizing Negatives 
To boost the positive aspects, follow creators and communities that encourage self-love and diversity. Engage with content that resonates with your personal journey rather than what’s trending. On the flipside, minimize negative impacts by setting boundaries – take breaks from social media, unfollow accounts that make you feel less-than, and remind yourself that your worth isn’t tied to online validation.

In the end, living your best sex life means tuning into your own needs and desires, free from external pressures. Social media can be a tool for empowerment, but it’s important to navigate it mindfully, ensuring that it boosts your journey toward self-discovery rather than creating obstacles.