Physically freeing: breaking taboos through online displays of the sexual self

This research specifically looks at the societal taboo of presenting an overtly sexualised self in a public forum. Specifically, we investigate the way in which technology is being used to mediate sexual experiences between individuals and larger online communities. The research takes an exploratory...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of marketing management 2018-09, Vol.34 (13-14), p.1105-1125
Main Authors: Veer, Ekant, Golf-Papez, Maja
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Consumer culture
Dominance
exploratory research
Gays & lesbians
identity
internet research
Perceptions
Power
sex
Sexuality
Sexualization
social networks
Taboos
Technology
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Summary:This research specifically looks at the societal taboo of presenting an overtly sexualised self in a public forum. Specifically, we investigate the way in which technology is being used to mediate sexual experiences between individuals and larger online communities. The research takes an exploratory look at why some users engage in Technology-Mediated Sexual Encounters (TMSEs) and the impact that these online sexual encounters can have on one's sense of self, perceptions of freedom and expression. Beyond fantasy seeking, novel experiences, and instancy of TMSEs, the importance of perceptions of power and dominance during a TMSE are discussed, as well as the emancipatory feelings associated with being free to break taboo. The impact of engaging in TMSEs and their use in understanding sexuality and expectations of physical sexual experiences is also discussed. The implications from this research include a better understanding of how technology is being used to express one's self online in taboo contexts.
ISSN:0267-257X
1472-1376
DOI:10.1080/0267257X.2018.1484381