Voyeurism.

Although the term “voyeurism” is usually related directly to sexual interest, these days we use this particular term to define other behaviors as well. Here is the definition of Voyeurism according to Wikipedia,

In clinical psychology, voyeurism is the sexual interest in or practice of spying on people engaged in intimate behaviors, such as undressing, sexual activity, or other activity usually considered to be of a private nature. In popular imagination the term is used in a more general sense to refer to someone who habitually observes others without their knowledge, and there is no necessary implication of any sexual interest.

So all of you getting all excited and defensive cause of the word “voyeurism” can relax.

The ever growing social networking platforms have given us an opportunity to connect with friends and families. However, many of us use it not just for that purpose but to keep tab on people just to see what they are upto. For example, Bill Gates ended up joining Twitter today and within hours he has well over 100,000 followers. Of course, he is Bill Gates but thousands are following him for one reason and one reason only, to see what he is going to tweet next, to know what’s going to come out on his stream next. You bet, it’s an act of voyeurism.

Another example is that of Ashton Kutcher showing his wife Demi Moore in her underware. Ohh yeah, thousands of you clicked it and so did I. Now tell me that’s not an act of voyeurism. You bet your ass it is.

I wanted to point this mostly untouched aspect of social networking because social networking activities has now surpassed the porn activity on the web. Yup, it’s true. People watch porn to satisfy their sexual desires. Some want full blown action and some want to tickle their fantasy with bits and pieces. Social Networking gives you way more than porn if you fall under the “tickle my fantasy bit by bit” category. Whether through profile images, their updates and tweets, we are constantly engaging in an act of voyeurism and often we don’t realize that. That’s one of the reason why porn is being pushed down by social networking cause it fulfills people’s fantasy in just many ways rather than simply through sensual images and videos. Words and not knowing what might come next can have quite an impact on someone’s fantasy and social networking has all the element for that.

We as humans have a common tendency of peeking into other people’s lives. Whether it’s peeking into someone’s window who forgot to close their curtain or following someone on Facebook or Twitter. It fulfills our desire and curiosity. And often we find one of those things that just makes our world go merry round, whether it’s in the form of tweets, Facebook updates, twitpic uploads or whatever it is.

Yes, the reason we are on board the social bandwagon is to connect but don’t tell me you connect with every single one of them on these platforms. There are quite a few we have chosen to connect just so we can keep tab on them. Are you one of those tech guys? I am sure you are following every move Robert Scoble makes. Are you a someone who wants to know what the social media rockstar is upto next? I am sure you are keeping tab on Chris Brogan. See what I mean?

It’s simple. Of course, you knew what you were doing but if you ever wondered how social networking can drag porn activity down, remember it’s because we are all voyeurs.

Share your thoughts. Feel like throwing rocks if you don’t agree? Grab some and throw it at your screen, I am sure it will hurt me.

image credit : Cult Gigolo

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