“I’m fat and you like it” – om kroppsbilden hos män som har sex med män utifrån erfarenheter på plattformen Grindr
(2022) SOPA63 20221School of Social Work
- Abstract
- This study aimed to understand how men who have sex with men discuss their body image in relation to the networking app Grindr. It also focused on how these men handle thoughts and feelings about their body which occurred when using the app. The study was based on a qualitative method with seven semi-structured interviews with men who have sex with men and who use Grindr or have used it in the past.The analysis was based on Goffman’s theory on stigma and Fredrickson and Roberts’ objectification theory. The results indicated that the participants can see some positive aspects of the app’s focus on sexual and social relationships. However they also described a harsh and vulgar culture on the app, comparing Grindr to a meat market.... (More)
- This study aimed to understand how men who have sex with men discuss their body image in relation to the networking app Grindr. It also focused on how these men handle thoughts and feelings about their body which occurred when using the app. The study was based on a qualitative method with seven semi-structured interviews with men who have sex with men and who use Grindr or have used it in the past.The analysis was based on Goffman’s theory on stigma and Fredrickson and Roberts’ objectification theory. The results indicated that the participants can see some positive aspects of the app’s focus on sexual and social relationships. However they also described a harsh and vulgar culture on the app, comparing Grindr to a meat market. Objectification and sexualization of both others and the self was a recurring theme. This led to the participants' self worth being partially based on interactions on the platform. The normative ideal body on the platform was described first as masculine, slim but also fit. Secondly it was described as related to the ideals and norms of the tribes. A majority of the participants had received negative and stigmatizing comments related to their bodies. Weight stigma was also a theme in the interviews. Users were expected to be clear in their profiles and profile pictures about body size. Stigmatization could be avoided either by being clear in the profile or by being dishonest and unclear. The consequences of being stigmatized was described as creating negative feelings towards oneself. The coping strategies that were apparent were experience and age, to have basic self-confidence and having a supportive network outside of the app. Silent activism and resistance against the app’s potentially harmful culture and climate was also elaborated upon. It was also discovered that these social processes exist outside of Grindr and is present in several parts of the gay community. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9083733
- author
- Jansson, Sara LU and Alvehus, Sam LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- SOPA63 20221
- year
- 2022
- type
- M2 - Bachelor Degree
- subject
- keywords
- Grindr, sexual minority men, homosexual men, stigmatization, objectification, sexuality, dating apps
- language
- Swedish
- id
- 9083733
- date added to LUP
- 2022-06-07 08:44:18
- date last changed
- 2022-06-10 16:34:28
@misc{9083733,
abstract = {{This study aimed to understand how men who have sex with men discuss their body image in relation to the networking app Grindr. It also focused on how these men handle thoughts and feelings about their body which occurred when using the app. The study was based on a qualitative method with seven semi-structured interviews with men who have sex with men and who use Grindr or have used it in the past.The analysis was based on Goffman’s theory on stigma and Fredrickson and Roberts’ objectification theory. The results indicated that the participants can see some positive aspects of the app’s focus on sexual and social relationships. However they also described a harsh and vulgar culture on the app, comparing Grindr to a meat market. Objectification and sexualization of both others and the self was a recurring theme. This led to the participants' self worth being partially based on interactions on the platform. The normative ideal body on the platform was described first as masculine, slim but also fit. Secondly it was described as related to the ideals and norms of the tribes. A majority of the participants had received negative and stigmatizing comments related to their bodies. Weight stigma was also a theme in the interviews. Users were expected to be clear in their profiles and profile pictures about body size. Stigmatization could be avoided either by being clear in the profile or by being dishonest and unclear. The consequences of being stigmatized was described as creating negative feelings towards oneself. The coping strategies that were apparent were experience and age, to have basic self-confidence and having a supportive network outside of the app. Silent activism and resistance against the app’s potentially harmful culture and climate was also elaborated upon. It was also discovered that these social processes exist outside of Grindr and is present in several parts of the gay community.}},
author = {{Jansson, Sara and Alvehus, Sam}},
language = {{swe}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{“I’m fat and you like it” – om kroppsbilden hos män som har sex med män utifrån erfarenheter på plattformen Grindr}},
year = {{2022}},
}