Locating sex: regional geographies of sexual social media

Abstract

Contributing to the field of the geographies of digital sexualities, this article explores the geosocial dimensions of digital sexual cultures by analyzing three regionally operating, linguistically specific social media platforms devoted to sexual expression. Drawing on case studies of an Estonian platform used primarily for group sex, a Swedish platform for kink and BDSM, and a Finnish platform for nude self-expression, we ask how these contribute to and shape sexual geographies in digital and physical registers. First, we focus on the platforms as tools for digital wayfinding and hooking up. Second, we consider how the platforms help to reimagine and sexualize physical locations as ones of play, and how this transforms the ways of inhabiting such spaces. Third, we analyze how the platforms operate as sexual places in their own right, designed to accommodate certain forms of display, relating, and belonging. We argue, in particular, that these platforms shape how users imagine and engage with location by negotiating notions of proximity and distance, risk and safety, making space for sexual sociability. We approach geographies of sexuality both through the regional and linguistic boundaries within which these platforms operate, as well as through our participants’ sense of comfort and investment in local spaces of sexual play. As sexual content is increasingly pushed out of large, U.S.-owned social media platforms, we argue that locally operating platforms provide a critical counterpoint, allowing for a vital re-platforming of sex on a regional level.

Keywords:

• Geographies of digital sexuality
• nudity and kink
• proximity and distance
• regional social media
• risk and safety
• sexual social media

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the suggestions of the two anonymous reviewers, whose input made this article stronger, as well as for the work and support of the two editors of this special issue, Cesare Di Feliciantonio and Valerie De Craene. This work was supported by The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies [grant number 1035-3.1.1-2019] and The Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland [grant number 327391].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Östersjöstiftelsen and The Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland [grant number 327391].

Notes on contributors

Jenny Sundén

Jenny Sundén is Professor of Gender Studies at Södertörn University in Stockholm. Her work is situated at the intersection of digital media studies, gender and sexuality studies, feminist and queer theory, and affect theory. She is currently working on digital intimacy, disconnection, and delay; feminist social media tactics that use humor to counter sexism; and the geopolitics of digital sexual cultures.

Susanna Paasonen

Susanna Paasonen is Professor of Media Studies at University of Turku, and Head of department. With an interest in studies of networked media, sexuality, and affect, she publishes broadly on these topics. Her current research interests revolve around discourses of addiction connected to online pornography and the multiple meanings of intimacy in data-driven culture.

Katrin Tiidenberg

Katrin Tiidenberg is Professor of Participatory Culture at the Baltic Film, Media, Arts and Communication School of Tallinn University. She has published extensively on social media practices and visual and sexual cultures on social media. Her research interests include digital research ethics and visual research methods. Currently she is researching the role of social media in young people’s political life and adult digital sexual cultures on local platforms. More info at: katrin-tiidenberg.com.

Maria Vihlman

Maria Vihlman is a PhD student in Gender Studies at University of Turku and Head of Counselling at Sexpo Foundation. Her research focuses on networked means of sexual relating, with a special focus on the nude image gallery, Alastonsuomi.