The Atlantic Exposes Social Media’s Censorship of Sex-Ed

BOSTON — An article on TheAtlantic.com points out the inconsistencies in Facebook’s and Twitter’s policies regarding sexual content and how it’s preventing access to positive, safe-sex information.

The article highlights the struggles of sexual health organizations such as Besider and retailer Lucky Bloke, among others, have faced while trying to spread their sex-positive messages.

According to the article, Twitter’s ad policy allows messages about safer sex, however they can’t be sexy — nor can they link to sexual content. Besider recounts an exchange with a Twitter account strategist over a promoted tweet that had to be removed because according to the rep, “it still paints sex in a recreational/positive light versus being neutral and dry.”

“While Kim Kardashian’s bare butt is ‘breaking the Internet’ with click-throughs, sexual-health organizations must compete for attention with slogans fit for high-school health books,” the article says.

Youth+Tech+Health (YTH) founder Deb Levine says that while some policies are overly strict in interpretation, others are so broad that they’re enforced inconsistently, leaving it up to individual customer service reps to make the call.

“While Bedsider cannot have its tweets link back to its website if the homepage features any content deemed too sexual, Playboy has been able to promote its Twitter account even though its feed has shown bare breasts and highly suggestive text that is decidedly not health-oriented.”

Many sexual health organizations have reached out to the social media platforms, but have been ignored.

"While some organizations have had success getting content through after initial rejection, the process of winning that minor victory is tireless,” Bedsider’s director Lawrence Swiader told The Atlantic. “Many smaller organizations just don't have the bandwidth to fight for each individual piece of content."

YTH says it hopes to one day bring together sexual health experts and Silicon Valley execs to “hash it out” and amend the policies.

To read the article in full, click here.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

LELO Launches 'Masturbitter' Craft Beer to Promote Male Sex Talk

LELO has partnered with Great Beyond Brewing Company to launch Masturbitter, a craft beer, to encourage men to discuss sex.

Xgen Now Shipping ZOLO's 'Stroke Off' Collection

Xgen Products is now shipping the Stroke Off collection of 11 handheld strokers and four masturbators modeled after lifelike body parts.

Nobü Unveils 'Gyrä' Vibrating Grinding Pad

Nobü has introduced the new Gyrä vibrating grinding pad.

Orion Introduces New 3-Motor Vibrator From 'Sweet Smile' Line

Orion Wholesale has debuted the new three-motor RC G- & P-Spot Vibrator from its Sweet Smile line.

C1R Debuts 'Vers' Suction Dildo, Butt Plug

C1R has introduced its new Vers liquid silicone suction dildo and butt plug.

Blush Erotica, The Kinky Candle Company Partner for Branded Candle

Blush Erotica has partnered with The Kinky Candle Company for an official branded candle.

Violet Voss to Collaborate With IronTech Doll on Realistic Replica

Violet Voss has signed an exclusive deal with IronTech Doll to create a sex doll modeled after her.

Honey's Place Now Shipping 'Teacher's Pet' Collection From Xgen Products

Honey’s Place is now distributing the Teacher's Pet collection from Xgen Products.

Zini Releases Reimagined Version of 'Roae+' Toy

Zini is reintroducing its brand with the release of the latest reiteration of its Roae+ signature toy.

Hustler Hollywood, 'Shameless Sex' Team Up for Workshop Series

"Shameless Sex" podcast hosts Amy Baldwin and April Lampert have joined forces with Hustler Hollywood for a workshop series titled “Shameless Ways [for Couples] to Have More Pleasure.”

Show More