When Tumblr made the bold decision to remove adult content in December 2018, it sent shockwaves through its user base, particularly among those who could claim the title of “adult content connoisseurs.” This move sparked outrage, but the motive behind it was as clear as mud. In a nutshell, Tumblr wanted to play nice with Apple’s strict guidelines, thereby catering to their precious sensibilities. Apparently, the company felt that the easy accessibility of adult content might upset the delicate balance of morality upheld by the gates of the Apple App Store.
In a valiant effort to dodge the drama and appease the big-shot tech giants, Tumblr instituted a ban on adult content, dubbing it a strategic choice to “sanctify” its platform. But let’s be real; this sounded more like a “please don’t kick us out of your app store” plea than a genuine moral awakening. User-generated content that users once reveled in using the ever-so-creative tags of “NSFW,” became a thing of the past. For those who relied on Tumblr to find their daily dose of spicy content, it felt like the platform underwent an unwanted transformation from a wild rodeo to a snooze-fest.
The platform pointed to its commitment to creating a “safer environment for users,” but the truth is, this act truly stripped away a significant part of its identity. Tumblr was known for being a refuge where users could share their artistic expressiveness, including adult themes that catered to various sexualities and fetishes without shame. Now it’s more like a well-mannered dinner party where the interesting guests—let’s call them the “raunchy crowd”—have all been kicked out, leaving behind a rather bland experience.
The irony is rich; users took to the internet to express their dismay, posting memes and sarcastic tweets that echoed the absurdity of it all. Indeed, the ban on adult content left many feeling like their beloved online escapism had taken a hit. So, as you scroll through your feed, keep in mind you’re witnessing a rather sanitized version of the wild, free-spirited Tumblr that once was. Who knew offending Apple’s sensibilities would mean bidding adieu to a treasure trove of creative freedom? Isn’t that just delightful?
