Thirst trap

Thirst trap culture was derived from selfie culture.[8]

The term "thirst trap" emerged on Twitter and Urban Dictionary in 2011, around the same time as the rise of Snapchat, Instagram, and online dating apps (e.g. Tinder).[7] In 2011, it was defined by Urban Dictionary as "any statement used to intentionally create attention or 'thirst.'"[9]

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

Oftentimes, the term "thirst trap" is a description of when people post attractive pictures of themselves online.[10]

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][11][12]

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

There can be several motivations behind thirst trapping.[13][14] People can seek "likes" and comments on social media which can provide a temporary boost in self-esteem and validation.[13] Posting a thirst trap can also be a way to express sexuality.[13] Thirst traps can contribute to personal branding as well.[14] Sometimes, there can be a financial benefit for sharing thirst traps.[14] Some post thirst traps as a way to cope with emotional distress, such as after a breakup.[15] Furthermore, these images can be used to spite a former lover.[16] Sharing a thirst trap has also been used as a way to connect in times of social isolation (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic).[17]

From a physiologic 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 alternative for physical sexual contact.[17]

Methodologies have developed to take an optimal thirst trap photo.[18][19][20] Masterful thirst traps can take time and practice.[14] Oftentimes, body parts are put on display without being too explicit (e.g. bulges of male genitalia, breast cleavage, abdominal muscles, pectoral muscles, backs, buttocks).[9][13][21] Angles and lighting are also important factors.[14] Additionally, the camera's self-timer function is a useful tool.[14]

Oftentimes, the thirst trap is accompanied by a caption.[8][22] For instance, in October 2019, Tracee Ellis Ross posted bikini pictures on Instagram with a caption that read, in part: "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 [sic] thirst trap! Boom!"[22]

On Instagram, #ThirstTrapThursdays is a popular tag.[8] Followers reply in turn after a posting.[9]

"Gatsbying" is a variation of the thirst trap, where one puts posts on social media to attract the attention of a particular individual.[23][24] 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.[24] "Instagrandstanding" is an alternative name for this.[25][26]

"Wholesome trapping" has developed, where one posts pictures of more meaningful aspects of life, such as spending time with friends or doing outdoor activities.[27]

Some have criticized thirst traps as being an unhealthy method of receiving external validation.[9][28] This desire for external validation can be addictive.[28]

Thirst traps can cause pressure to maintain a good physical appearance, and therefore cause self-esteem issues.[13][28] Additionally, the thirst traps are often highly choreographed and thus present a distorted perception of reality.[13][28] The manufacturing of thirst traps can be limited when one enters a relationship and/or with time as the body ages.[29]

In some cases, thirst traps can lead to harassment and online bullying.[16][30] In April 2020, Chrissy Teigen posted a video of her wearing a black one-piece swimsuit, and she received a multitude of negative comments that constituted bullying and body shaming (e.g. "Narcissistic much? Cover up, you're not that hot.").[31][32][33]

Numerous celebrities have been recognized for their thirst traps, notably Kim Kardashian, Amber Rose, and Rihanna.[9][13][19][20] The Jonas Brothers have also been noted for their thirst traps created over an extended duration.[13] Publications such as Buzzfeed and Vibe have created compilations of best celebrity thirst traps.[8]

Vine was also used as a platform to share thirst trap videos, used by the queer women community in particular.[34] Thirst traps are also prolific in the gay community.[28]

It has been argued that Instagram itself is a representation of a giant thirst trap.[9]

In 2018, Jeffree Star featured a shade of lipstick called "thirst trap".[8]

In 2019, Four Loko commissioned a study where 60,000 Instagram images from 50 U.S. cities and 10 international cities were analyzed to see the prevalence rate of thirst traps.[35][36] Miami was found to have the highest prevalence rate in the United States, with 36 out of 1,000 photos being thirst traps.[35][36]

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, there have reported to have been an increase in the frequency and intensity of thirst traps.[17]

• Online dating service
• Selfie