Twitter has become a dumpster fire with all the changes happening. Every time you blink, a new restriction or limitation is imposed upon its users. The latest blow? ‘Non-paid’ members are now restricted to a measly 600 daily tweets. They want to put a muzzle on our voices and extinguish the flames of conversation and expression.
But let’s talk about the NSFW aspect because that’s where things get interesting. While some may argue that Twitter’s openness to explicit content promotes a sex-positive environment, the constant changes and shifting guidelines make it difficult to keep up. It’s like walking on a tightrope, never knowing when your content might be deemed too explicit or violating some mysterious rule.
And then there’s Facebook/Meta’s new “Treads” platform, touted as a Twitter competitor. With around 40 million new members jumping on board, it’s clear that people are looking for alternatives. However, there’s a significant downside to Treads—it’s still under the thumb of Meta and their archaic Victorian-style restrictions on content.
From a gay perspective, this is particularly frustrating. The inability to sexualize a man or show off a bulge is a double standard and a blatant disregard for the diversity and freedom of expression that should be celebrated. Why are certain aspects of the male body singled out and deemed inappropriate? It’s time to challenge these outdated notions and embrace a more inclusive and sex-positive approach.
It’s important to note that being sex-positive doesn’t mean promoting explicit or non-consensual content. It means celebrating and embracing healthy, consensual sexual expression, including nudity and sex-positive discussions. However, Treads falls short in this regard. With restrictions on nudity, explicit promotions like OnlyFans, and a lack of sex-positive dialogue, it fails to create an inclusive space for individuals to express their true selves.
The verdict is still out on Treads and whether it can be a friendly platform for the diverse range of voices. As we navigate these ever-changing social media landscapes, we must advocate for platforms that respect our rights and foster an environment where everyone feels safe and celebrated. It’s time for social media companies to listen, learn, and create spaces that encourage positive, inclusive, and sex-positive conversations for all users. Together, we can redefine the boundaries and make social media a better, more accepting place for everyone.
