How are popular mobile apps turning social media into a hub of adult content?

The popularity of social media platforms like Instagram, X and YouTube has made them a powerful platform, but their direction is now under question. Know how this increasing trend towards adult content is not only challenging social values ​​but is also posing a threat to future generations.

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In today's digital age, social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat have become an important part of our lives. These platforms were initially created to connect with friends, show creativity and for entertainment, but in recent years their form seems to be changing. According to many experts and reports, these platforms are gradually turning into adult content sites, where obscenity is being presented in such a way that it seems normal. Let us look at the reason, effect and opinion of experts behind this change.

What is the reason behind this change in social media?

Commercialisation of content: Algorithms on platforms like Instagram and TikTok drive views and engagement. Data from Statista shows that provocative and erotic content receives 70% more likes and shares than casual content. This is leading users and influencers to post semi-nude photos, dance videos, and suggestive content.

Filters and short-form content: Snapchat's filters and TikTok's quick video format have normalised sexuality in the name of creativity. For example, dance challenges on TikTok often go viral with skin-tight clothing and provocative moves.

Lack of privacy: Users openly share their personal lives through features like stories and reels on these platforms. A report found that more than 40% of young users post content that goes beyond social norms.

Reports that bear witness to this

The Wall Street Journal (2021): Citing internal documents of Facebook and Instagram, this newspaper said that the company knows that erotic content is being promoted on their platforms, but instead of stopping it, they are promoting it through algorithms.

BBC investigation (2022): A BBC report said that misuse of personal photos is increasing on platforms like Telegram as well as Instagram. Photos of many users are being photoshopped and shared as soft porn.

Cyber ​​Security Report (2023): A study revealed that 15-20% of viral videos on TikTok contains soft porn elements, such as provocative poses and minimal clothing. This is posing a threat to children and adolescents.

What do experts and celebs say about this?

Dr. Pawan Duggal (Cyber ​​Law Expert): Social media has now become a source of income rather than entertainment. Soft porn is being normalized on Instagram and TikTok because it brings more traffic and advertisements. The government should bring strict rules.

Shweta Tiwari (Actress): The famous TV actress said in an interview recently, I keep my daughter away from TikTok. The content that is going viral there is not right for children. These platforms are now showing less creativity and more sensuality.

Daniel Miller (Anthropologist, UCL): In his book 'How the World Changed Social Media', he writes, "Social media no longer controls users, but users control social media. Sexuality and sensational content are a big part of this change."

The biggest impact is on the youth

This change in social media behaviour is having the biggest impact on the youth. In a survey conducted by India Policy Foundation, 60% of the teenagers admitted that they try to copy the content seen on social media, which also includes soft porn elements. Mental health experts say that this is leading to body image problems, low self-esteem and antisocial behaviour. Apart from this, these platforms have become unsafe for children because content moderation is weak.

'Unregulated Content on Digital Media Platforms and its Impact on Society' has expressed serious concern over the increasing objectionable content on digital media. The report states that if the content on social media platforms is not regulated properly, it can have a negative impact on society. The report suggests that the government and related agencies should impose strict rules on digital platforms. This will ensure responsible and safe use of digital media and prevent increasing negativity in society. The India Policy Foundation report advocates the prevention of such content through regulation of digital media.

So what is the solution?

Experts believe that strict content guidelines, age verification and changes in algorithms can reduce this problem. The government and social media companies need to work together to spread awareness and technical intervention. Users should also understand their responsibility and distance themselves from such content. Overall, the popularity of platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok has made them a powerful platform, but their direction is now under question. This increasing trend towards soft porn is not only challenging social values, but is also posing a threat to future generations. It is important to pay attention to this in time, otherwise these platforms will lose their real identity.

PC:Prabhat Khabar