Tattoos, piercings and body modifications: why?

[redchild]

Like joost said, it's for the rush. I suppose many people who are into getting many piercings/tattoos do it for sensual reasons. They like how it looks, how the skin feels when pulled, the reactions they get from people, expression of unorthodox/rebellious personality, etc. A bit off topic but I've also heard some people that are into plucking hairs because they find the pain pleasurable. But like anything, if it becomes too much, it can get in the way of living day to day. People with extensive tattoos or piercings usually have a tough time in the workforce, as they have to put on makeup to hide it or have to find employers who don't mind them. Getting a tattoo similar to a gang symbol may unknowingly put you in danger. And being addicted to pain is inherently dangerous.

If done with thought and taste, it can look beautiful. However, more often than not, people just do stupid, terrible things.