Writing by Claire Deeks
In today’s digital age, social media platforms play a significant role in shaping public discourse and fostering connections. However, as conversations around sexual health and pleasure are still considered taboo in many societies, platforms like Instagram and TikTok often struggle to strike a balance between protecting users from inappropriate content and allowing for important sexual education. The movement for #PleasurePositivity seeks to challenge the limitations imposed on sexual discussions online and encourage open and honest dialogue.
In this article, we explore the challenges faced by sex-positive accounts, the need for nuance in platform policies, and ways to support these voices for positive change.
Sex-positive accounts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok face an ongoing battle against censorship. Although these platforms claim to allow sex-positive content and discussions, many accounts that adhere to community guidelines find themselves blocked from promoting, posting, linking, and tagging. This inconsistency raises questions about the algorithms used to determine what content goes against guidelines and what does not.
The issue at hand is the lack of nuance in platform policies when it comes to differentiating between inappropriate sexual content and valuable sexual education. While offensive and harmful content should be actively moderated, it is crucial to redefine algorithms and guidelines to ensure that posts advocating for positive change are not unjustly removed or restricted.
To challenge the existing censorship, collective action is necessary. At My ilo, we are dedicated to sharing content that celebrates sexual empowerment and pleasure positivity through educational and engaging posts. By supporting accounts like ours and others, we can contribute to the broader movement for change.
Here are some practical ways to show your support for sex-positive accounts that face censorship online:
- Follow: By following and engaging with these accounts, you increase their visibility and reach.
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Re-share: Share content from sex-positive brands and voices on your stories, helping to amplify their message to a wider audience.
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Save Educational Posts: Saving informative posts not only allows you to refer back to them, but also signals to the algorithm that such content is valuable and should be prioritised.
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Share with Friends: Introduce your friends to sex-positive accounts by sharing their content directly or recommending them in conversations.
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Comment: Engage with the posts you love by leaving thoughtful comments, sparking conversations, and fostering a supportive community.
The #PleasurePositivity movement aims to dismantle the barriers and stigma surrounding discussions on sexual health and pleasure. By challenging the censorship faced by sex-positive accounts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, we can foster a more inclusive and informative online environment.
Through small actions like following, re-sharing, saving, sharing with friends, and commenting, we can collectively support these accounts and contribute to positive change in the realm of sexual education and empowerment. Remember, open dialogue and education are essential for fostering healthy attitudes towards sexuality and creating a more inclusive society.
Read more here.
