The abbreviation is common in the BDSM community but has recently become more common in real life because of TikTok.
The trend is being labeled often as part of the #KinkTok community.
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What does CNC mean on TikTok?
CNC stands for consensual non-consent.
The idea is that one partner offers consent prior to their partner(s) performing sexual acts on them, usually without their explicit, in-the-moment, consent.
The umbrella term is used often on TikTok to describe many different actual sex acts, but it typically ranges from bondage to rape fantasies.
In a piece on Medium titled “Understanding Consensual Non-Consent,” Rachael Hope writes: “Negotiating a CNC play session, or scene must involve discussing the fantasy, setting boundaries, and agreeing on how the scenario will be ended if anyone involved changes their mind.”
In other words, the consensual part of the act is key.
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Why is CNC trending on TikTok?
CNC first popped up on the #KinkTok community, which is a hashtag under which users share their sexual kinks through video.
Most users aren’t actually posting explicit videos of themselves in the act, but rather, are giving advice or are just generally discussing their sexual preferences.
Many look at it as a way of fighting back against “kink-shaming,” and claim that it is incredibly empowering.
Some common advice includes: “use safe words,” and “communicate with your partner(s)!”
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Can kids see these videos?
Many of these videos are visible to teens under the age of 18, because they aren’t necessarily explicit or graphic, and because the content creators use cryptic language and popular songs to discuss their sexuality.
If you’re worried about your teenager (the app is only for those 13 and up) stumbling into the world of #Kinktok, you can utilize TikTok’s “Family
Pairing” settings, which they rolled out in April 2020 amid scrutiny.
The settings allow you to control the amount of time, as well as the content, that your teen spends on the app.
