Not knowing what is the difference between attraction and sexual objectification has definitely caused us much heartache in our youth. Fortunately, many of us have learned our lessons about the difference between attraction vs objectification. But, the excessively sexualized world (social media, advertising etc.) that we live in can still sometimes blur our understanding of attraction and sexual objectification.
Attraction is a wholesome interest and attachment to another person. It is an essential component of healthy romantic relationships. In contrast, sexual objectification is a superficial attraction to physical attributes that can fulfill our sexual desires. It dehumanizes the other person and reduces them to mere body parts.
Sexual objectification is harmful not only to the person who is dehumanized but also to the person who is objectified. Dehumanization distances you from the other person and affects your moral judgment. As a result, you can not build fulfilling relationships that have long-term value and settle for transitory gratification via sexual objectification. You are more likely to develop compulsive behaviors such as porn habit, which deliver similar detached forms of sexual gratification.
So, only when you are clear about what is the difference between attraction and sexual objectification can you avoid traps such as porn and build real relationships.
Understanding the difference between attraction vs objectification becomes even more important in the internet age. When you go online, you often find images that have made sexual objectification mainstream in the name of art, self-expression, and advertising. So, you can easily lose sight of what is the difference between attraction and sexual objectification.
In order to save yourself from the trap of sexual objectification and build healthy relationships, you must understand the difference between sexualization vs objectification.
What is Attraction?
Attraction, or in this case, interpersonal attraction, refers to a powerful interest or desire in another person.
Science identifies several different types of attractions, such as romantic, sexual, platonic, and emotional. Generally, attraction in relationships stems from a combination of these different types rather than a watertight compartmentalization. For instance, an emotional connection with a person can intensify sexual desire. Similarly, an aesthetic attraction to a person’s fashion sense can build an emotional interest in them.
Researchers agree that the following 6 factors play a key role in deciding who you are attracted to –
Similarity – We are more likely to feel attraction towards a person who has familiar lifestyles, hobbies, desires, and personal values.
Proximity – Frequent interactions and physical nearness are more likely to cement our attraction toward a person.
Reciprocity – Attraction intensifies when the other person also shows an interest in us.
Physical attractiveness – Certain physical features are considered more attractive or appealing depending totally on our subjective criteria.
Personal Qualities – We are often attracted to people who possess personal qualities, skills, and knowledge that we value.
Attraction in romantic relationships is a valuable glue that strengthens your bond. Initially, attraction might be focused on sexual desire. But, it will recognize the sexuality of the partner as only a part of what makes the person attractive to you.
What is Sexual Objectification?
Sexual objectification refers to the attitude of viewing another person only as a tool of your sexual gratification. It looks only at the person’s appeal as a sexual object and not as another human being with feelings and emotions. Sexual objectification focuses on the physical attributes or a set of body parts that fulfill the need for sexual arousal.
Both men and women can be sexually objectified. When you objectify a person, he or she becomes an interchangeable tool serving your sexual needs. Women who experience sexual objectification often internalize the gaze of the observer. So, they develop an obsession with their appearance and sexual desirability.
We can often observe sexual objectification in porn, where we get no insight into the human qualities of the people participating in the sexual acts. Their bodies are displayed in exaggerated and artificial manners to arouse momentary sexual interest.
The advertisements that do not show faces and display certain physical aspects that convey sexual attraction also fall under the category of objectification. These ads often cut off the faces because the individuality of the faces is irrelevant in the context of sexual objectification.
How to Differentiate Between Attraction and Sexual Objectification
Sexual objectification is a selfish gratification of sexual desire. It dehumanizes the other person and also damages your own empathy and humanity.
Attraction, on the other hand, views the other person in their entirety. So, it leads to more fulfilling relationships. So, in order to have healthy relationships, you must learn to differentiate between attraction vs objectification.
Here are the 7 key factors that will help you clearly understand what is the difference between attraction and sexual objectification –
- Sexual objectification begins and ends with the other person’s sexuality or sexual appeal. Whereas in attraction, even though sexual appeal plays a part, it is never the defining quality of your partner.
- The person of your sexual objectification is interchangeable. The person you are attracted to has a unique appeal that can be replicated in a similar manner by any other person.
- Attraction is highly subjective. There is no standard physical attribute that can be shown as universally attractive. In contrast, sexual objectification can be standardized as certain physical qualities that can arouse a broad section of people.
- Sexual objectiveness is an instant and fleeting quality. While it can give you momentary sexual relief, it will leave you frustrated in the long run. Attraction, on the other hand, intensifies and sustains over time to bring more fulfillment.
- Attraction helps you build genuine connections with your partner. It encourages you to view the other person as a sum of their qualities. Sexual objectification dehumanizes the other person and acts as a block to emotional connection.
- After sexual desire is fulfilled, the interest fades in the case of sexual objectification. In comparison, a sexual relationship is an important part that deepens the attachment to your partner in attraction.
- When you are attracted to another person, you want to make them a part of your social and family life. The sexual object exists solely for sexual pleasure and has no further role to play in your life.
How can BlockP help overcome Sexual Objectification
Porn and explicit images are one of the key culprits that perpetuate the gaze of sexual objectification. The only aim of the pornographic content is to arouse sexual desire. Porn often lacks the nuance and details that can engage our minds and emotions. These images are only concerned with exhibiting human bodies in a titillating and sexually arousing manner.
When you watch porn, you can also develop this warped gaze where you begin to objectify people. So, in order to avoid sexual objectification, you should also avoid porn. But, the nature of online content is such that even if you don’t search for adult content, you are bound to accidentally come across images and text that sexualize and objectify.
BlockP is the best porn blocker to protect you from all kinds of explicit content online. The protection of BlockP keeps you safe from explicit images on websites, social media, and advertising.