Instagram's thirst memes can open up healthy conversations about sex

A post shared by ♥️Daily Wholesome Memes♥️ (@wholesomeasf_) on Feb 25, 2019 at 1:26pm PSTSEE ALSO: Zodiac meme Instagram will align the stars to make you feel seenAside from confessing a crush (and the desire to hook up) the memes can also encourage young people to have honest, open conversations about sex and boundaries. According to the creators of @bold.yet.wholesome, who are both 16, sending a crush a thirst meme eases nerves about "going at the right speed." "Having a serious talk about having sex can be a little daunting," bold.yet.wholesome said in a DM to Mashable. Shan Boodram, a sexologist whose YouTube channel discusses relationships, sex, and self-care, says "it's easier for people — period — to talk about anything serious through humor." Sending someone a meme about wanting to fuck can be an easy icebreaker, instead of just launching into the awkward conversation. A post shared by self made memes 😘 (@wholesome.pdf.memes) on Mar 3, 2019 at 6:29pm PSTBut if everything is safe and consensual, both sex educators see no harm in sending your boo a wholesome thirst meme. Boodram credits social media for the rise in what she dubbed "clit culture." Melendez says that as a sex educator, getting teenagers to comfortably discuss sex can be challenging, but the popularity of the memes can encourage young women who weren’t raised to be open about it."As far as bringing those memes into light, it definitely has shifted the narrative that anyone of any gender can talk about sex, think about sex, [and] can consensually have sex," Melendez said.