In today’s world, it can seem nearly impossible to escape the pressure society puts on people, especially on women and female-presenting folks, when it comes to beauty standards. Expectations of what to look like are constantly around us. From the ultra-skinny, waif-like models in fashion magazines to the perfectly voluptuous ones on internet porn, the common theme is that these body shapes are unrealistic, they reek of heteronormativity and white supremacy and they are – excuse my french – f*cking exhausting.
Even though there are great porn producers out there nowadays, that feature diverse bodies, queer love, and focus on embracing authenticity and uniqueness, the majority of porn, especially the porn that is not behind a pay wall, is still predominantly catering to the western male-gaze.
Unrealistic beauty standards don’t only lead to mental and emotional health issues, they also negatively impact your sexual wellness and pleasure. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, several aspects of body image, including weight concern, physical condition, sexual attractiveness, and especially negative thoughts about your own body during sexual activity predict your sexual satisfaction. Statistics have shown that 7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way. 74% say they are under pressure to please everyone; 98% feel immense pressure from external sources to look a certain way.
Considering all the negative effects beauty standards in visual media and porn have on people, it is no surprise that audio porn is becoming increasingly popular not only with women but all customer groups of adult entertainment. Audio doesn’t impose an ideal of what sex should look like or what you should look like. There has been a lot of talk about the female gaze in porn, which is an incredibly important conversation to have. But audio porn offers you something that’s been neglected and manipulated to control your desires for far too long: your own gaze.
We all know the term ‘beauty lies in the eye of the beholder’ – but what if your eye has been conditioned only to find certain things beautiful? What if your eye has been conditioned to see yourself through a lens of criticism and comparison instead of self-love and appreciation? The beauty standards that have been fed to us for decades by way of what we see on screen are perpetuating a narrative: they are telling us that there is only one way to be beautiful. The sharpness of this narrative cuts deep.
The good news is that if it is possible to condition your eyes to see things one way, the process can be reversed. It means work. It means questioning everything you thought you knew. it means you’ll find yourself questioning your existing relationships and preferences, but the process is so damn worth it. Your pleasure and sexual wellness are too sacred to fall victim to the systems created to oppress our authentic selves. While audio porn will not free society of the plague that is western, patriarchal beauty standards – it can certainly work as a tool for everyone, regardless of gender, willing to embark on this painful and beautiful journey of awakening.
Audio Porn Does Not Rely On Conventional Beauty Standards
Removing the visuals does not remove our society’s sexual imagery, stereotypes, or ideals completely, but it can help you detach from them or at least add your own spice to them. It can also simply be a great opportunity to consciously question your own perception of beauty and sex. If, for example, you listen to an erotic audio about a married couple experiencing a threesome on their honeymoon – what is your mind showing you? Is what you are seeing different from what you see on screens? How are the bodies of the protagonists looking for you? Are you focusing on other things than you would watch visual pornography? Take yourself on a little sexual adventure into your erotic mind and start unpacking.
It Allows You to Create Your Own Visuals
The chance to create your own world is especially appealing with porn. The advantage of erotic audio is that it allows you to create your own world and situations that suit your preferences and tastes. With audio, you can immerse yourself into the scenario you are listening to. There is immersive audio porn that centres you in the middle of the action of the story, allowing you to experience new scenarios. You can choose to listen to a guided masturbation session allowing you to rediscover self-pleasure, and countless other formats that foster your imagination rather than suppress it.
Audio Porn Offers Great Opportunities for More Inclusivity
It tends to use problematic terminology and artificial categorisation much less than in video format, and offers great opportunities for more inclusivity and accessibility in porn. Also, the production process of audio is much more inclusive than in visual porn. Making movies costs a lot of money which is why most film directors come from a somewhat privileged background. Producing an audio story is much more accessible for creators. The scenarios in audio porn feature content by creators of all backgrounds and identities.
It Prioritises Pleasure and Encourages Positive Sexual Thinking
Using audio cues can really bring your solo-sex or partnered sex experience to the next level if you want to dive into a new kink or explore your sexuality further. Another great aspect of audio porn is that it is very discrete. You can listen to audio erotica anywhere and whenever you want. All you need is a good set of headphones. The world of erotic audio is not limited to porn only – you can also enjoy erotic podcasts or enhance your wellness routine with relaxing soundscapes or meditation audio to ease your anxiety, increase focus, and, crucially, your pleasure.
With a bit of time, patience and commitment you can rewire your brain. It is possible to undefine beauty. Prioritizing your sexual pleasure and questioning your beliefs about beauty & sex is an act of resistance and an act of self-love that you are worthy of. Surround yourself with like-minded people, especially in the bedroom. Do not settle for anything or anyone who does not encourage your journey and is not willing to go on their own path of rewiring and undefining.
