As Valentine’s Day nears, couples around the world are deciding where to make reservations, what to wear for a night out and of course, how to impress their partner. What seems to be a rising trend is the art of sexy selfies. There is even a phrase called, “The Belfie,” which, Kim Kardashian has coined. Now girls are switching from the peace sign in pictures to cleav- age or just a thong in photos. Guys are also partaking in their fair share of “sexy selfies” with pictures of their abs or even a close up of their nether-regions. Is this causing a generation of sex? Or would the older crowd be doing the same thing if they had a phone back when they were young and limber?
When asked if the “older generation” would partake in such selfies, the response received could surprise some readers. Two women in their 50s who asked to remain anonymous said they used to take polaroid pictures to send to their boyfriends. So maybe this trend is not as new as one would think. But could sex selfies affect guys and girls in a negative way?
Sophomore communications major Brittany Smith has an avid following on Instagram and Facebook. She admits to posting a “sexy selfie” but has her limits as to not look classless or inappropriate.
“I guess you could say I have posted a sexy selfie but nothing with too much cleavage,” Smith said. “I get the same amount of likes when I post other pic- tures so I think it matters about if you look trashy or not.”
A poll conducted by “Closer Magazine” asked men and women about posting sexy selfies to social media. The votes were split right down the middle; 50 percent of people said “sexy selfies should just be between you and your partner,” while the other fifty percent said “if you’re happy with your body why shouldn’t you share them?” One thing is for sure: guys enjoy getting sexy selfies.
“I have received multiple sexy selfies and I like that as long as I am talking to the girl,” sophomore Brandon Weaver said.
There seems to be a sense of discomfort when guys receive a random picture of a girl in a sexy selfie.
“It’s weird to get a picture from a random girl if you aren’t talking to her,” Geno Nave said. “That just makes me feel gross.”
But there is also another side to taking sexy selfies as well. These pictures could potentially get out into public and shame girls or guys.
“I don’t really like the whole sexy selfie thing,” junior Sam Sheridan said. “Those pictures could get out and that’s not right. I think it’s weird, like just come over then.”
Numerous articles about women being degraded from pictures circulating seems to be the norm. But there still seems to be a massive amount of people willing to the risk.
“For some girls that are interested in how many likes they get on Instagram, then showing a little more cleavage can get them those extra few,” Smith said. “I mean it’s your body so in the end, you have to feel right doing it. If you feel any hesitation about sending a sexy picture, then don’t do it.”
