Celebrity indiscretion encourages exposure

Our generation has grown up vehemently aware of the term “instant gratification” and all it entails. I can vaguely remember a time when Google didn’t have all the answers, and figuring out someone’s relationship status was a tad more challenging than checking a Facebook page.

But what happens when we combine social media and our need for instant gratification? We end up with politicians accidentally tweeting pictures of their junk, and more celebrity nude photo scandals than we can keep up with. The latest scandal involves Miley Cyrus climbing into her car, seemingly sans-underwear.

First off, didn’t the celebrity commando trend run its course back in 2007, courtesy of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears? Maybe Miley is making up for lost time since she wasn’t of legal age back then. Or maybe her stylist forgot to include a pair when laying out her clothes for the day.

Obviously the real issue at hand here is figuring out whom to credit with the “nice snatch.” Does the award go to Miley, since Internet-users are complimenting her assets all over the web? Or does it go to the photographer for capturing the split-second shot for eternity? My money is on the photographer.

Jokes aside, it amazes me how blissfully ignorant young adults can be in terms of sex and technology.

Miley Cyrus went commando. So what? The only reason this is being talked about is because she's famous. If she wasn't, no one would be snapping pictures of her and ending up with a total fluke snapshot as she climbed into her car. Going commando is a personal preference, and Miley shouldn't be admonished for it.

The problem here is the ignorance involved in the situation. She's a celebrity and is aware of what could happen courtesy of the paparazzi, but the picture was taken and shared on websites before Miley even had time to start the car she'd just ambled into.

This situation really was just right place, right time, right angle. She shouldn't be criticized for not donning a pair of panties. It's not like she was spread eagle on the hood of the car, showcasing herself to the world.

This simple instance of Miley going commando would have gone unnoticed if not for one photo, but it's enough to make people freak out and overreact. It's a risqué action, but the probability of getting caught is typically low.

Surely everyone can agree there's nothing quite like the freedom of not wearing underwear at some point in time or another. For women, we can't worry about awkward panty lines if there are no panties to be had. And guys, you get a couple more days to push back the arduous task of laundry just by free-balling it every now and then. Not to mention the thrill of telling your partner about your lack of clothing, and the anticipation that can arise from that.

There are obvious drawbacks to going commando. The first one is getting caught, and the subsequent awkwardness. Other problems could include chafing or infection.

It seems like every decision we make is an open invitation for people to criticize and condemn. Make a bad decision at a party? Those pictures and tweets can be seen within seconds online, but it may take a few hours for you to coherently realize they are on there.

And then there is the practice of sexting. Yes, sexting can be fun, and there’s some risk involved. There’s something to be said about putting that level of trust in someone, and sharing something only the two of you will see.

It’s romantic and erotic; the modern-day equivalent of Jack drawing Rose’s naked body in Titanic. Upon seeing the portrait after 84 years, Rose exclaimed, “Wasn’t I a dish?” Your body may never look as good as it does now, and you want it to be appreciated by the person you like. Definitely understandable. That being said, there’s a difference between a charcoal portrait and a topless photo taken with your iPhone in front of the bathroom mirror.

Feelings change and trust can dissolve as easily as sugar in hot water. You hope your ex will have enough respect to just delete the pictures, but let’s face it, often people don’t live up to your expectations. Is Anyone Up? is a website people can submit nude photos to. The site’s founder, Hunter Moore, makes money off of people vengefully exploiting their exes. Names, links to the person’s Facebook profile, and the submitter’s message can be posted on the website in addition to the photos. It’s shameful and disgusting and yet, it garners 30 million views a month.

This is an extreme case, but still. All it takes is a forwarded message to the wrong people and a person can be haunted by scandal for a while.

When I hear people talk about sexting, all I can do is laugh. Seriously, are we still in high school? I’m sure people sext in college, but what’s the point? Unless you’re in a long distance relationship, why are you sending someone naked photos of yourself? You could easily just meet up and have even more fun together.

Better yet is how people still talk about being sexted like it’s worthy of being talked about. You have naked pictures of a girl on your phone? Congratulations, find me a handful guys on this campus who don’t.

Whether you send a suggestive picture message or not is ultimately your call, and as long as you accept the consequences, you shouldn’t be hated for it. If it gets leaked somewhere, well you obviously trusted a douchebag, but you went in knowing the consequences.

What you want to do with your body is for you and you alone to decide. Want to be bare down there? Go for it. Text your boo a naked picture? Sounds swell. Recognize the potential risks involved, understand that the Internet is only a few clicks away, and maintain a level of tact if you get caught. Scandals happen, but the Internet doesn't have to define you.