The Gammadharma of the Masses: A Buddhist and Socioeconomic Reflection

The Rise of Sexual Content in the Digital Village

Since becoming a regular Facebook user in 2017, I have observed a troubling increase in sexually suggestive images and messages across social media platforms. Although I do not consider myself a moralist, the sheer volume of adult-themed content, much of it bordering on explicit, has become increasingly alarming. This trend continues despite the formal prohibition of sexually explicit content by platforms like Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta.

A February 2025 investigation by Dismislab titled “Hidden in Plain Sight” confirmed what many users have sensed: social media feeds are being flooded with ads featuring nude or semi-nude images, provocative poses, and invitations to access “hot and sexy videos” or buy products marketed for “sexual pleasure.” Advertisers have become remarkably skilled at bypassing content restrictions, using low-resolution or hazy images to escape automated filters, embedding text in images to thwart detection, and leveraging emojis (🍆, 🍑) and sensational copy to convey innuendo without overtly violating policy. AI-generated and animated images — often styled as scantily clad “companions” — are now used to skirt guidelines while maximizing viewer engagement.