The most talked about sexuality on social networks

In France, 571 posts per minute on the internet talk about sex .

The French are fond of emojis with sexual connotations; they are among the most used on social networks.

There are approximately 7.2 million posts with the peach emoji, 2.7 million with the banana emoji, and 2.1 million with the "-18" symbol. These symbols may seem innocuous, but these emojis are used to allude to sex.

Most teenagers own a smartphone, tablet, or computer. With these tools readily available and few or no restrictions on their use, they have access to a wealth of information about sexuality.

Nowadays, social networks allow young people to free their voice, to express themselves with less "embarrassment", to debate with people who come from far away, of different ages.

The movements that have taken place on the internet in recent years have led to body positivity, acceptance of different genders, different sexualities… But above all, the evolution of the place of women in society.

All the more reason to talk about sex on social media!

Inclusive discourse on social media

Opening up the conversation about sexuality

Between hashtags, posts, accounts, and messaging apps, sex is becoming less taboo online . It's no longer solely the domain of men, as it was for so long. Sexual discourse online is approaching parity: 52% from women and 48% from men , although women are generally much more comfortable discussing the topic.

There are also more and more Twitter and Instagram accounts of "intimate confessions" about the craziest sexual experiences, which may make some people laugh but also reassure others.

A freer but also healthier sexuality

The emergence of the #MeToo and #Balancetonporc movements on social media has changed the way sexuality is discussed. Internet users talk about consent, pansexuality, and female pleasure . For the past ten years or so, the clitoris has been a central focus in YouTube videos, particularly those centered around female pleasure and desire.

On TikTok, accounts dedicated to discussing sex are popping up, often initiated by gynecologists or doctors. And when you look at the comments, you don't expect so many teenagers to react, ask questions, and debate… Things that might seem "commonplace" or known to everyone are actually not : sex during menstruation , endometriosis, vaginismus, and much more…

How body positivity is revolutionizing sexuality

Social media also helps to eliminate the distorted and unrealistic view of pornography , such as:

• The vision of the "perfect" woman: tanned, muscular, hairless

• A "standard" size for breasts, penis, lips

• The injunction to enjoy oneself quickly and spectacularly

• The fact that you have to do everything you see in the movies

Every body is different, the woman's pleasure is finally brought to the forefront, it is just as important as that of her partner.

Showing ourselves on social media with body hair, stretch marks, cellulite: this is becoming more and more common and normal (because it is), good for us!

The lack of sex education in schools: social media is taking over

Sex education: the shortcomings of the school system

In high school, the topics covered include reproduction, puberty, the functioning of the reproductive systems, contraception ... Each class therefore addresses the subject in its own way. In biology, for example, they might talk about the meeting of the egg and the sperm, while in French class, they might discuss romantic feelings.

With so little sex education, young people find themselves without reliable sources of information and turn to the internet.

But these are classes. They are not discussion sessions. It is impossible to implement mediation, which is important for expression, but also for reminding people of the law and defining consent .

It is essential to create a space for discussing sexuality with professionals, to encourage everyone to understand their own boundaries and those of others, and to respect their own pace and that of their partner. In several European countries, psychologists or social workers from family planning centers visit schools to discuss sex and relationship education. In each school, designated teachers should be trained and available when a need for discussion arises.

Pleasure: a major omission from the sex education program

Masturbation and any form of learning about personal pleasure have no place in the curriculum . Until the last middle school reform (2017), there was no mention of the clitoris in textbooks when the topic of intimate anatomy was addressed.

At that age, teenagers are discovering themselves and need to know that it is normal to explore their bodies, their desires, their preferences ; there is no shame in that.

A young woman's testimony about masturbation: "It helped me normalize the fact that my body had changed since childhood. That yes, it's normal, and no, it's not disgusting." Anna, 18, franceinfo 

To counter this lack of information among teenagers, many young content creators answer questions and share their advice on sexuality.

Camille Aumont-Carnel created the Instagram page @Jemenbatsleclito . She even went into classrooms herself to talk directly with students, raise awareness, answer questions…

It opens up conversations, debates, it informs and above all, it reassures.

Talking about sexuality on social media is therefore neither a provocation nor a deviation, but a necessity . In the absence of comprehensive and uninhibited sex education in schools, digital platforms become spaces for exchange, information, and sometimes even support .

By freeing up speech and valuing the diversity of bodies, genders and sexualities, social networks contribute to a healthier, more inclusive and more respectful approach to sexuality.

Provided that this content is framed and delivered by informed voices, it can help an entire generation to better understand themselves, to respect themselves, and to deconstruct taboos that are still too prevalent .