“Human Menu”: Understanding Digital Sexual Sociability Among Young People in São Paulo

This qualitative study explores the dynamics of digital sexual sociability among young people in São Paulo, Brazil, conducted through in-depth interviews with 43 individuals aged 16 to 24 between 2021 and 2022. The research highlights various social norms, values, and practices related to online interactions and sexual relationships. Participants: 21 cisgender women, 19 cisgender men, 2 transgender men, and 1 non-binary person; 24 heterosexuals, 5 homosexuals, 5 pansexuals, and 9 bisexuals; 26 Black, 16 White, and 1 Asian. Young people define different goals on the most popular dating apps. Tinder is primarily used for making connections and building friendships, often leading to in-person interactions. Grindr and Hornet are utilized for ephemeral sexual encounters, emphasizing transient interactions. Participants described a phenomenon of objectifying users based on images, likening app users to a “human menu,” where choices are driven by images. A pervasive sense of danger associated with online interactions was expressed, particularly fears of fraud, exposure, and leaking intimate content. This reflects a deep-seated apprehension about the authenticity of online personas. Most participants recognized virtual sex (sharing photos, videos, or engaging in explicit conversations) as a legitimate sexual practice. Despite initial discomfort, it became crucial for fulfilling desires and maintaining connections, especially during the isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Young heterosexuals linked virtual sex to a need for prior intimacy and relationship-building. Online sexual interactions played a vital role in exploring and understanding gay and bisexual own sexuality. Trust emerged as a critical component shaping both online and offline relationships, influencing behaviors and attitudes toward safety and connection. Thus, this study underscores the complexities of digital sociability among youth, revealing both the opportunities and challenges posed by online interactions. The interplay of trust, safety concerns, and the evolving nature of sexual relationships highlights significant cultural marks within this generation.