A thirst trap is a type of social media post intended to entice viewers sexually.^[1][2][3][4] It refers to a viewer's "thirst", a colloquialism likening sexual frustration to dehydration, implying desperation, with the afflicted individual being described as "thirsty".^[4][5][6] The phrase entered into the lexicon in the late 1990s, but is most related to Internet slang that developed in the early 2010s. Its meaning has changed over time, previously referring to a graceless need for approval, affection or attention.^[7][6]

History

The usage of the phrase thirst trap derived from selfie culture.^[8] Though its origin is ambiguous, thirst trap was used in the 1999 book, Running for Dummies authored by Florence Griffith Joyner and John Hanc.

The authors defined a body's need for hydration prior to the onset of thirst and the false sense that the immediate thirst was quenched with the first intake of fluid. To avoid the thirst trap, the authors suggested further intake of fluids even though the body's "thirsty message" had been sated.^[9]

The term thirst trap re-emerged on Twitter and Urban Dictionary in 2011, and throughout the years with the rise of Snapchat, Instagram, and online dating apps such as Tinder and Grindr.^[7] In 2011, it was defined by Urban Dictionary as "any statement used to intentionally create attention or 'thirst'."^[10]

In 2018, it was reported to have entered common usage, as media sources including The New York Times and GQ started using the expression without definition.^[7]

Usage of the term

Often, the term thirst trap describes an attractive picture of an individual that they post online.^[11]

Thirst trap can also describe a digital heartthrob.^[7] For instance, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has been described as a political thirst trap.^[7][12][13]

It has also been described as a modern form of "fishing for compliments".^[5]

Motivation

There can be several motivations behind thirst trapping.^[14][15] People can seek "likes" and comments on social media which can provide a temporary boost in self-esteem and validation.^[14] Posting a thirst trap can also be a way to express sexuality.^[14] Thirst traps can contribute to personal branding as well.^[15] Sometimes, there can be a financial benefit for sharing thirst traps.^[15] Some post thirst traps as a way to cope with emotional distress, such as after a breakup.^[16] Furthermore, these images can be used to spite a former lover.^[17] Sharing a thirst trap has also been used as a way to connect in times of social isolation (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic).^[18]

From a physiological standpoint, endorphins and neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine can be released with the process of sharing thirst traps, leading to a sense of pleasure and an ambiguous or masturbatory alternative for actual physical sexual contact.^[18]

Methodology

Methodologies have developed to take an optimal thirst trap photo.^[19][20][21] Reporting for Vice magazine, Graham Isador found several of his social network contacts spent a lot of time considering how to take the best photo and what text they should use. They considered angles and lighting. Sometimes they made use of the self-timer feature available on some cameras.^[15] Often, body parts are put on display without being too explicit (e.g. bulges of male genitalia, breast cleavage, abdominal muscles, pectoral muscles, backs, buttocks).^[10][14][22]

Often, the thirst trap is accompanied by a caption.^[8][23] For instance, in October 2019, actress Tracee Ellis Ross posted bikini pictures on Instagram with a caption that included the message: "I've worked so hard to feel good in my skin and to build a life that truly matches me and I'm in it and it feels good. ... No filter, no retouch 47 year old thirst trap! Boom!"^[23]

On Instagram, #ThirstTrapThursdays is a popular tag.^[8] Followers reply in turn after a posting.^[10]

Variations

"Gatsbying" is a variation of the thirst trap, where one puts posts on social media to attract the attention of a particular individual.^[24][25] The term alludes to the novel The Great Gatsby where the character Jay Gatsby would throw extravagant parties to attract the attention of his love interest, Daisy.^[25] "Instagrandstanding" is an alternative name for this.^[26][27]

"Wholesome trapping" has developed, where one posts pictures of more meaningful aspects of life, such as spending time with friends or doing outdoor activities.^[28]

Criticism

Psychotherapist Lisa Brateman has criticized thirst traps as being an unhealthy method of receiving external validation.^[10][29] This desire for external validation can be addictive.^[29]

Thirst traps can cause pressure to maintain a good physical appearance, and therefore cause self-esteem issues.^[14][29] Additionally, thirst traps are often highly choreographed and thus present a distorted perception of reality.^[14][29] The manufacturing of thirst traps can be limited when one enters a relationship or with time as the body ages.^[30]

In some cases, thirst traps can lead to harassment and online bullying.^[17][31] In April 2020, model Chrissy Teigen posted a video of herself wearing a black one-piece swimsuit, and she received a multitude of negative comments that constituted bullying and body shaming.^[32][33]

See also

• Attention economy

References