Fan pages provide an online space where people can share, explore, discuss and negotiate erotic desires and experiences. This study analyses the social construction of an erotic collective identity through a case study of a Facebook page dedicated to consensual non-monogamy. Consensual non-monogamy is defined as sexual practices that are agreed upon between partners, involving more than one sexual partner. It includes swinging, polyamory, open relationships, monogamish relationships, casual encounters, and friends with benefits. The page members' posts create a community based on mutual acceptance of diverse forms of desire and pleasure, where individuals can feel comfortable expressing their needs, desires, and identities without being judged or censored. By sharing stories about past experiences and fantasies, members construct a shared understanding of what it means to be sexually liberated and open to new adventures. They also exchange advice and strategies for navigating non-monogamous relationships, such as negotiating rules and boundaries.
The interaction between users' offline relational dynamics and their participation in the page is complex. Some members report that engaging with the group has strengthened their relationships by creating opportunities for communication and self-reflection. Others find that participating in the page has helped them navigate difficult situations within their primary relationships, such as jealousy and emotional attachment.
Some users experience tensions between their offline and online personas, feeling pressure to maintain a certain image on the page while hiding aspects of their real life from their significant other. For some, this leads to guilt and shame, which they must then process in therapy or with their partners. In addition, the page provides an outlet for those who may have limited access to erotic experiences in their personal lives due to geographic location, physical appearance, or societal stigma. This can lead to feelings of isolation, particularly if they do not feel accepted or understood in their immediate social circles.
Facebook fan pages offer an important platform for exploring and discussing sexuality in a safe and supportive community. While they may not replace traditional forms of intimacy and connection, they provide a space for individuals to express themselves freely and connect with like-minded people. As digital spaces continue to grow, we must consider how they shape our identities and relationships both online and offline.
In what ways do Facebook erotic fan pages construct a collective erotic identity for their members, and how do these identities interact with users' offline relational dynamics?
Many Facebook erotic fan pages allow their members to express themselves through personal photos, stories, videos, and live chats that construct a collective online erotic identity. These identities are often based on gender roles, sexual orientation, body type, physical features, and desires. Members can also build relationships with other members of similar identities and engage in different activities such as discussing erotic fantasies, sharing sex tips, and participating in virtual erotic roleplay.