Twitter sensitive content is something that often slips under the radar for most users. But it’s becoming increasingly prevalent, and its presence can’t be ignored. Twitter is famous for its open, uncensored environment. Its new Adult policy settings allow the site to host adult material which makes people quite curious and concerned.
Whether you’re new to Twitter or are a long-time user, understanding the importance of Twitter’s 18+ content policy is necessary to navigate the platforms safely and responsibly. In this article, we will discuss what Twitter 18+ content is, why it has, and its implications for a mature experience in their feed. Let’s begin!
Does Twitter show 18+ content?
Yes, Twitter allows sharing 18+ content unless such content is violent or invades the privacy of a person who has not consented to sharing their images on social media. The type of content that according to the new policies, can be shared includes:
- Actual sexual conduct
- Uncovered genital area
- Women’s nipples
- Sexual activity like coitus, or suggestive motions imitating coitus.
- Explicit AI-generated or animated content and cartoons
However, while posting any explicit video, photo, or description users should be tagging it appropriately with the sensitivity warning. This will protect these kinds of posts from users who do not wish to view or should not be exposed to them. The content where there is sexual activity or parts of the genitalia should be classified accordingly when putting warnings. Educational nudity, art, patents, medical needs, and jokes not for the purpose of sexual stimulation do not need a warning.
Is 18+ content allowed on Twitter?
Twitter (now X) permits 18+ content, creating a platform where legitimate forms of artistic expression can thrive within certain boundaries.
“We believe that users should be able to create, distribute, and consume material related to sexual themes as long as it is consensually produced and distributed,” Twitter states.
This feature is supported by their idea of the self-sufficiency of grown-ups, who are free to consume and generate media reflecting their reality and fantasy. They also see sexual activity as a proper mode of artistic and communicative interaction.
However, it is provided subject to limitations to protect children and other adults who may not want to view such material. But there are some key rules to follow. The Twitter 18+ content will be properly marked as sensitive content so that it does not show in search or to unnecessary people.
Also, this type of material cannot be used in the public-facing areas of the social network. For instance, the profile photo and the header image, because then it sets a professional standard for the page’s promoted elements. It is also important to know that Twitter strictly prohibits harmful content.
This includes content that promotes abuse, harassment, non-consensual activities, threats, or prejudice against people. Additionally, promoting harm to individuals or their property and commercial and political exploitation are not allowed on this platform. Failure to maintain these guidelines may lead to severe account penalties and bans.
Use Twitter/X smart and better control account
This policy guarantees that while most of the content can be adult, the platform protects and respects the community’s standards in sharing. For further guidelines and restrictions, you can check out Twitter’s Adult Content Policy.
Do you have to be 18 to be on Twitter?
You do not have to be 18+ to create an account on Twitter (X). According to its policy, Twitter’s age requirement to create an account is 13. Minors (from 13 to 18) are also restricted from receiving direct messages (DMs) from non-followers. And certain sensitive content is limited for them. Twitter doesn’t explicitly ask for the user’s birthday when creating an account but has several methods of age verification. This helps to stick to the age-restricted content and make the platform safer for all users
To maintain the integrity of the platform, accounts shown to offend this age policy get deactivated. All the personal data from that account except the age and the username will be deleted. However, the deactivated accounts can be restored after the user turns 13. The reactivation process will take up to 24 hours.
Why does Twitter allow 18+ content?
The action undertaken by Twitter to allow adult content can be a competitive move to differentiate itself from competitors. This decision can be easily associated with the platform’s goal which is to become a place without limitations of expressing oneself.
With this change in policy and making Twitter 18+, Elon Musk publicly supports “free speech” and has called for less censorship. By this strategy, Twitter is trying to create the possibility of a free space. So it can expand the parameters to a wider range of expressions, and speech on sexual self-determination as an extension of art.
It would also be possible to look at the move from a business perspective. The adult content community has been a many-billion-dollar market, and sites such as OnlyFans prove the efficacy of the formula.
Twitter may be looking for a market in adult content that facilitates its change in stance, especially competition from newer platforms that have followed suit and used the free speech argument to allow for the posting of such content.
How to turn on/off sensitive content on Twitter?
To deal with sensitive information sharing because of the new Twitter 18+ policy, the users can set up their media options to blur out material that they may find objectionable. This feature helps to provide users with more opportunities for what they might be interested in while browsing the platform. It also helps them enable or disable filtering based on their preferences. To enable or disable specific content filtering:
Open Twitter and navigate the sidebar
Click on more and it will give you a dropdown list, click on settings and privacy
●Choose Privacy and safety
Under the list labeled Content you see, click on Sensitive Media. You will be able to choose whether or not to Show Mature Content.
By enabling this, you allow any type of Twitter sensitive content, including pornographic ones, to appear in your timeline and when users search for it. And, by Disabling it, you remove all sensitive media so that you will only get a safe feed.
The user receives information through this control. According to their comfort levels, you can filter the option with obscene images and texts. So, it can remain safe during communication in the application.
Parental Discussions: How should Parents view Twitter?
Since Twitter has introduced its adult content policy. It is important for parents to decide whether or not children should use it, considering its potential risks and benefits.
1. Exposure to sensitive content
As an open platform, Twitter allows its users to post almost any type of information, including sensitive content on Twitter. Parents must know that even if the content is tagged “18+”, it could always be available to them.
So, consider the use of filters to prevent children from having access to certain content tools available. But still, due to the large number of posts and heterogeneity of the content posted on Twitter, the accounts children create and interact with may expose them to otherwise unfiltered and probably unsuitable posts.
2. Privacy and security risks
Twitter also implies privacy issues as it is a social networking site where people can watch others’ tweets unless their profile is secured. Children should be encouraged to have personal accounts, where only those who have been followed with permission get to see their tweets.
Parents should warn their children against providing their personal information. This includes their location, school, or any information that will make them vulnerable to child predators. Also, your child should be warned about “stranger danger” and advised not to accept follow requests from unfamiliar individuals.
3. Harassment and cyberbullying
According to the policies, Twitter does not allow users to directly message minors. This will lessen the chance of harassment and cyberbullying. However, it is important for parents to inform their children of this threat that may potentially occur due to Twitter’s 18+ features. Parents should ensure that children understand how to deal with negative or toxic experiences including aspiring abusive individuals.
Parents can manage these risks if they remain connected with their kids. So they are not shy to discuss such issues as internet behavior and harmless interest in each other. If children get into bullying or if they feel unsafe, they should know how to report this to the platform moderators.
4. Encouraging positive online habits
Parents can guide their children into developing good habits while using such social media platforms. These include limiting their screen time to avoid spending excessive time on social media exploring unnecessary stuff. At the same time managing their routines for the right use of the technology. Even in the case of teenagers, teaching them to respect other participants, avoid unkind words, and conflicts, and in case of aggression – block or, at least, report an offender is crucial.
One of the best ways is by pointing them to preferred educational Twitter accounts or accounts related to their hobby and leisure time. This can be productive time on social media. Such an approach makes them pay attention to the positive content and make better choices, learning how to utilize the platform in a positive way rather than a negative way.
5. Critical thinking
Parents should also ensure that children engage in critical thinking when using content on Twitter. Due to a wide spectrum of ideas and facts, children should learn about the pros and cons of different sources, as well as the consequences of sharing or interacting with specific content. Topics such as digital responsibility, how one’s post can last forever, and the effects of the Web on a child’s digital image will be beneficial for safety on social media.
Should parents block Twitter for their kids?
Parents should avoid allowing their children to use Twitter due to the potential risks. Twitter 18+ allows its users to stay updated and informed. And Twitter also allows children to access adult, sensitive content, cyberbullying, and encounter strangers. While using Twitter, you can block and limit such information. But it is often not sufficient, and children can come across some not-so-suitable content. The open nature of this platform can lead to harmful interactions that put kids at risk.
However, based on the content, Twitter can present different issues within the area of concern. Issues like children’s mental health and well-being, like the extended use of the platform, can more discreetly lead to addiction to technology gadgets. Based on these risks, parents need to be very careful when their children are using social network sites.
This is where FlashGet Kids comes in handy in helping parents out. It enables parents to monitor and regulate the kind of sites their child visits. And it makes it easier to block harmful or sensitive content. Also, parents can control the amount of time spent on devices, thus feeling calm and peace of mind. So, parents can find out their kids are safe from risky content as well as establish a healthy, proper model of internet use.
Conclusion
Twitter is a place where people can freely express and engage with each other. However, the adult platform that it provides for free sexual content might not be suitable for all adults, children and teens.
Twitter has tools to filter sensitive content but those do not provide complete security. But children can provide wrong information and get exposed to inappropriate material. Parents should take ownership and begin to use privacy settings on the networks they want to approve of and monitor their children’s online activity. By understanding Twitter’s policies on adult content and setting up your settings accordingly, you can help create a safer digital environment for younger users.
