The rise of social media in the early 2010s fundamentally changed how visual content circulates, with algorithms prioritizing imagery that captures engagement and emotional response. As platforms grew into global ecosystems, concerns emerged about their influence on youth development, body image, and mental health. Historically, governments regulated explicit material through age restrictions and distribution controls, but digital networks bypassed many traditional gatekeeping mechanisms. The ubiquity of mobile devices gave unprecedented access to curated lifestyles and sexualized aesthetics, creating new challenges for policymakers, educators, and researchers. Over time, studies documented shifting patterns in online behavior, prompting renewed examination of how digital environments shape expectations and self-perception. This debate arises from the broader historical tension between technological innovation, public welfare, and evolving norms around exposure to sensitive material.