Tattoos aren’t addictive, but they can become a social behavior that’s considered normal in certain circles. Compare it to brushing your teeth or tying your shoes.
Contrary to what popular culture may lead you to believe, people with multiple tattoos are not “addicted” to getting them. In fact, the vast majority of people will start with one tattoo and then wait years before getting their second one. Tattoos can cost thousands of dollars and can be a long and laborious process.
People need to take a lot of time to save their money and consider the consequences of a tattoo, which is exactly the opposite of someone with an addiction, who will go out and buy a cheap fix that will make them feel good in the moment.
Tattoos appear again and again across all cultures and generations. There’s something about getting a tattoo that is permanently separate from human nature. So… why do people get tattoos?
You’ve probably heard someone say they want to get a tattoo again, or maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. More and more people are no longer satisfied with just one discreet and subtle tattoo. In fact, tattoo artists have said they’ve seen an increase in clients coming back for another one.
What’s behind the phrase “I’m addicted to tattoos”? Science has an answer.
Tattoos Are Addictive?
Many people describe the experience as “addictive” and use the term to justify getting multiple tattoos. But how real is the addiction to tattoos? The truth is, there’s not much evidence to support it.
Viren Swami, a psychologist and professor at Anglia Ruskin University, has extensively researched the sociological and psychological aspects behind tattooed people. Swami says there just aren’t enough studies to confirm it.
While there’s not enough evidence to conclude that tattoos are addictive, why do people often feel like it’s an addiction? Dr. Swami believes that the desire to go through the needle again is caused by something as simple as wanting to feel like an individual. The desire to get a tattoo might be nothing more than a aesthetic preference.
Self-improvement
According to Psychology Today, tattoos are a form of self-improvement. People see it as a way to take a blank canvas of a human body and, in some way, improve it. It’s very similar to anyone who goes on a diet or undergoes plastic surgery to look and feel better than they did before getting a tattoo.
People who get tattoos expect to look more attractive and for others to notice them more often. Instead of noticing someone for their beautiful face or lovely figure, a tattoo is a work of art that becomes part of the owner’s body.
Singularity
There are millions of different types of tattoos in the world, yet people who get tattoos know what kind of tattoos they want. This says a lot about their knowledge of their bodies and emotions. They know what they want and can make permanent decisions.
According to Dr. Vinita Mehta of Psychology Today, a survey on the personality traits of people with tattoos led to some common similarities. People with tattoos generally want to feel unique and want to explore their lives and experience things that are outside the norm.
A study showed that women who experienced anxiety and low self-esteem who got tattoos suddenly experienced a huge boost of confidence and happiness immediately after getting the tattoo.
However, after around three weeks, women began to feel anxious about the tattoo and started to have doubts. Men, on the other hand, had much less anxiety or regret about their decision, and that only made them feel better about themselves.
Sense of belonging
Tattoos are for life. Getting one means you’re ready to commit to something for the rest of your life. This has positive implications for your commitment to friendships and other types of personal and business relationships.
Humans have been separated from tribes for as long as they’ve existed. Many gangs get tattoos that match as a representation of being part of the group. Of course, not all groups of people with tattoos are criminals. In fact, people who enlist in the military often seek a kind of camaraderie that they don’t find anywhere else, and getting tattoos during military service has become a rite of passage.
Another article you might find interesting: The Keys to Emotional Regulation: How to Express Emotions?
According to a publication on the official website of the US Army, they estimate that around 90% of all soldiers have at least one tattoo. It gives them a sense of pride, and it also becomes a way to commemorate fallen comrades, as well as remember tragic events, such as the 9/11 attacks.
Sex appeal
According to a 2012 study by the Medical University of Silesia in Poland, people with tattoos are more sexually active than people without tattoos.
They gathered a large group of people between 20 and 35 years old and gave them questionnaires based on the number of partners, sexual behavior, sexual harassment they had experienced, and their own perception of how sexually attractive they felt.
They found that people with piercings and tattoos had their first sexual experience at a younger age than people without tattoos. They also have sex more often with their partners. However, there was no difference in orientation or behavior that is considered perverted or reckless.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
