It’s all about self-love
BODY TRAPPING: POSTING ‘RISQUE’ PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
A pivotal tool in breaking down barriers.
Sexiness was once the domain of a select few models. People used to fall in lust with collections of curated pictures of sexy people in lad mags like FHM and Loaded, with more skin in Playboy and Penthouse. For women, Playgirl served up guys in the buff while lifestyle magazines provided the necessary eye candy.
Now, anyone can do it. And they do.
As the body positivity movement continues to grow, so too will “Thirst Trapping” on social media channels like Instagram, X and TikTok. It’s all about posting sensually titillating images of yourself, getting DM (direct messages) to flood in-boxes from admirers and to express individual sensuality.
It’s one of the biggest online trends forecast for 2024.
It’s not just a quest for attention, said psychologist and medical doctor Jonathan Redelinghuys of Medicare24. “Thirst Trapping also reflects a more authentic, diverse and self-directed portrayal of sexuality.
“It provides a real-time experience, where the models are everyday individuals showcasing their sensuality without the filter of professional photography or editorial policies.
“It challenges the norms created by glossy magazines and traditional adult content,” said sex educator Lisa Welsh.
It is a democratisation of sensual expression, and as the movement grows, it will seed greater body positivity, inclusiveness and celebrate individuals.
“Traditional media has done a good job of narrowing the norms of desirability, it’s time to break that mould,” she said.
While Thirst Trapping first emerged as an attention-seeking sortie in the early part of the last decade, it has evolved into an important aspect of body positivity and the self-realisation of individuals as beautiful, sensual beings no matter their body type, said Welsh, “because everyone has a different preference, and it is finally coming to the fore”.
Thirst Trapping manifests in various forms. For many women, it could be about sharing images in bikinis, tiny tops and lingerie.
Anything goes, and outfits, or the lack thereof, often highlights an individual’s natural body features.
It also embraces movements like “free the nipple” or going braless.
“These posts are not just sensual but carry a message of body confidence and defiance against traditional modesty norms, all of which were created by prior generations and dictated by the media.
“Now that the people are the media,” said Redelinghuys, “self-expression is on a person’s own terms. Sensuality is a rebellion against set-down norms.”
Males typically showcase their physical fitness, often shirtless, and document workout sessions.
“These posts also attract attention,” said Redelinghuys, “but it also goes a long way to reflecting male body positivity and the fact that men can be vulnerable, too, because when you post Thirst Trap pictures, you are expressing vulnerability.”
Celebrities have been at the leading edge of this trend: Kylie Jenner, Lizzo, Ricky Martin and Chris Hemsworth count among them.
LIFESTYLE
“It is a vibrant expression of self love and must be encouraged,” said Welsh.
Thirst Trapping pictures have also impacted fashion, and it’s often less about bikinis and lingerie than about form and shape in various incarnations.
“Ditching bras and underwear in favour of showing off your own individual sculpting and embracing your natural body forms the basis of these powerful images,” said Welsh.
The pictures are “not just about sensuality; they’re statements of freedom and body autonomy, pushing back against the stigma surrounding body exposure”, said Welsh.
Redelinghuys agreed, but said images must be shared responsibly, because people have no control over end consumers.
Yet, he added, it is a pivotal tool in breaking down barriers that end up promoting a more inclusive society.
“This is no longer just a digital trend. It’s a social movement, empowering individuals to redefine beauty on their terms. It’s no longer about just wanting attention.”
These photos are not just about sensuality; they’re statements of freedom and body autonomy, pushing back against the stigma surrounding body exposure.