The board is titled “Our Secret Affair” and some folks are finding its content highly offensive. The irony is the images on the board don’t break any rules. They keep within Pinterest’s strict guidelines.
Who are these ubiquitous they?
Offended Pinterest users. That’s who.
Every day I receive a complaint on my email about the content on this board of mine. Sometimes it’s two complaints. The result is always the same. Pinterest pulls the flagged image out of the thousands I’ve pinned. Pinterest then demands I review their policies about nudity and sexually explicit imagery and then tells me the image is being judged.
It makes me wonder about why people stop and take the time to complain. Wouldn’t it be easier to scroll beyond the offensive image than to file a complaint about one? (Unless the complaints process is super-easy!)
Millions of Pinterest images are shared on Pinterest every day. The topics of swimwear, lingerie, art and advertising, go well beyond the limits of anything pinned I’ve on my board.
Perhaps it’s the text that accompanies each image. A rude word was inadvertently missed as I shared it.
I’ve gone back and checked for hidden expletives. Nope. The words fall well within the guidelines too.
Maybe it’s a combination of the two. Let’s face it, some people can’t handle suggestive kisses or hugs and words that describe what’s going on or where it leads. They fear the next step. Perhaps it shines a light on the troubles they have in their relationship. The word “Affair” scares them. Seeing such content reminds them how close it is to mirroring their lives.
In fairness, I’ve considered a few other angles.
Cultural and societal norms shape perceptions of nudity and sexuality. In many parts of the world, conservative values dictate that such content should be kept private or restricted to specific contexts. Therefore, individuals who adhere staunchly to these norms may find themselves shocked at the sight of nudity or sexual innuendo outside of these accepted boundaries.
Some individuals have had negative encounters with sex and sexuality, leading them to develop a heightened sensitivity to such material. For them, nudity or sexual imagery can evoke strong emotional reactions, prompting them to advocate for its removal to shield themselves and others from potential distress.
Concerns about the impact of explicit content on vulnerable groups, such as children or individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues, drive many to action. They worry that exposure to nudity or sexual content could have detrimental effects on impressionable minds.
I get it. I do. There are valid reasons why people get offended but there are none to take the next step and flag them as inappropriate. The sensitivities I feel for these offended cohorts shouldn’t exclude them for having the same sensitivities toward those who don’t have issues with them. Despite cultural differences, negative sexual encounters and children, Pinterest has set the standards for what’s inappropriate. Offended parties should simply scroll on and leave the image in the past.
Incidentally, every photo that has been flagged has been returned to my board 48 hours later.
-M.
Discover more from Michael Forman – Author of Dark Fiction & Drama
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