A thirst trap is defined below. Why do you follow the trend? Taking sexually explicit photographs may seem harmless, but why are you doing it?
There are several benefits to using social media. And if we have a secret crush on someone, we can now get in touch with them without having to risk their shame by seeing them in person. There’s just one problem: people these days use social media, and it feels false. This begs the question of why people set up such traps and what exactly causes people to fall into them.
Nothing is as it seems, everything is exaggerated, and nobody has time to stop and think about what it all means since everyone is too busy gauging their own worth against everyone else’s.
Where have all the real conversations gone? Where did the phrase “I am what I am” go wrong? Surely, if one adopts such an outlook, they will find true joy.
What is a "thirst trap"?
Just look at your Instagram right now; it won’t hurt. Just how many images do you think there are of people who are showing off a little too much skin, assets, or muscles? If not more, at least one is guaranteed.
Using images on social media to gain attention is known as “attention seeking.” A thirst trap is what you’d call it.
While it’s not illegal to share images of oneself looking fabulous, you might want to consider why you feel the urge to do so. Perhaps you’re wondering, “What is a thirst trap?” If you’re going to resort to posting sexually suggestive or revealing photos online, ask yourself: why? How does social validation from other people’s opinions and approval boost your mood?
I don't see the problem, so why not use one?
There shouldn’t be a problem if you’re not doing it to boost your self-esteem through external validation (through comments and likes).
The Kardashians, the Jenners, and everyone in between all share sensual photos of themselves online, and it might start to feel like we should all be doing the same. Even if we can’t afford to dress as lavishly as the Kardashians or film in as elaborate a setting, we can at least try!
Just what do I think about it? A part of it feels artificial.
Consider your motivations for engaging in this activity. The only acceptable justification is that you’re confident in your wonderful looks and want to share that with the world. That is not an issue at all. But in this situation, you are assured in your appearance and will have fun regardless of whether or not others share your opinion. You are not seeking approval from others.
If that's the case, then I say do it to your heart's content.
You’re venturing into risky territory if you can’t honestly declare you don’t care if people approve or disapprove. A craving for approval is indicative of low self-esteem. In that scenario, you should focus on enhancing your value to yourself rather than trying to gain it from other people.
Are thirst traps ever harmful?
A lot rides on the specifics. Your spouse or significant other may have strong feelings about you sharing sexually explicit photos online. Is that the kind of thing you’d like your lover to do for you? Most likely not.
It’s also possible that you’re portraying yourself inaccurately. You do look quite nice. Everyone is drooling over your latest photo, but is it how you want to be remembered? The best mind in the world won’t matter if all your social media posts feature photographs of your face distorted into a pout.
Someone can misinterpret your actions when you’re only attempting to gain their attention, such as a crush you don’t have the guts to ask out on a date.
What matters most is your goals and the significance you place on them.
For what purpose is a thirst trap designed? Self-confidence enhancement for the proper reasons is the sole justification. It’s powerful to be self-assured about your appearance, but it’s also important to concentrate on improving your self-esteem if you require others to tell you that you look nice.
Then you need to focus on building your self-assurance in more positive ways. Strengthen your relationships, broaden your horizons, and start working out regularly. Do anything that gets your focus off your body and puts you in a position of strength. Forget about taking seductive photos; what matters is how you feel on the inside and how much of that you project to the world.
A thirst trap, then, is what? So now you know to proceed with caution. Taking a picture because you feel attractive is innocuous, but doing it because you want others to affirm your perception of your attractiveness is not.