‘Thirst-trap’ posts on TikTok raise questions about military social media policies

For those who aren’t aware, Urban Dictionary defines “thirst trap” as “a sexy photograph or flirty message posted on social media for the intent of causing others to publicly profess their attraction. This is done not to actually respond or satisfy any of this attraction, but to feed the posters ego or need for attention.”

This phenomenon has made its way onto the TikTok video-sharing platform in the form of 15- to 60-second videos, and even more specifically into the platform’s military subculture. And while the women seem to take the most heat for sharing “provocative” content, there certainly is no shortage of male service thirst trapping.