The rise of kink culture has led to a backlash against those who prefer vanilla sex
London: Remember when Fifty Shades of Grey came out? It was a big deal, right? Everyone was suddenly buying Kindles to read it, but they didn’t want anyone to see them. Fast forward to now, and kink is everywhere in pop culture. Shows and movies are diving into it, and it’s like the taboo has vanished.
Even dating apps are changing. Feeld, which caters to those with unique preferences, is booming. It’s got all sorts of identities to choose from, and its user base is growing fast. Meanwhile, Tinder seems to be losing steam. My friends are all about Feeld now, and they think I should jump on board too.
But here’s the thing: some long-time Feeld users are feeling overwhelmed. They think the app is getting crowded with people who just want casual hookups, muddying the waters for those who are genuinely into kink. It’s like they’re taking over a space meant for deeper connections.
Interestingly, the term “vanilla” used to be a neutral way to describe conventional sex. Now, it’s often seen as boring. But let’s be real—most people lean towards vanilla. Surveys show that the classic missionary position is still a favorite in the UK, while only a small percentage of folks dabble in BDSM.
It’s easy to feel like traditional sex is out of style, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting it. Kinky stuff is trendy now, but it doesn’t mean everyone has to jump on that bandwagon. There’s a place for everyone’s preferences, and we shouldn’t shame each other for what we enjoy.
So, whether you’re into wild adventures or cozy nights in, it’s all good. Just because some folks are into more extreme stuff doesn’t mean you should feel dull for sticking to what you like. Let’s celebrate our differences instead of judging each other.
Claudia Cockerell is a lifestyle and culture writer
