Loving for a price - Social media influencing transactional sex

A recent study has highlighted how social media amplifies transactional sex, especially during occasions when individuals yearn for significance, like Valentine's Day, which was celebrated on Friday.

Dr Paul Andrew Bourne, who spearheaded the research, says "Everybody wants to feel important."

"Look at any woman today [February 14], whether she wears red or not, she wants her rose and she wants to feel important," he said. Transactional sex refers to sexual relationships where the giving and/or receiving of gifts, money or other services is an important factor.

The study surveyed 1,123 Jamaican women, revealing that 27.9 per cent had engaged in transactional sex. Bourne explained that social media platforms like TikTok and OnlyFans have revolutionised these interactions, providing avenues for individuals to exchange personal content for monetary rewards.

"Social media is that sort of thing to get them that sort of notoriety. So, if you want to be on top of the social media game, you're going to have to be low down, crass, and coarse and all of that. It's a transaction," he said.

"If you want the hairstyle, that man may not have the money to actually go and give you the gift to buy the hairstyle. So, go further, and you show that man something more, so that man can give you the money to get the hairstyle," he elaborated.

The research also found that single women between the ages of 18 and 37 are the primary participants in transactional sex. Contrary to common beliefs, women in professional and semi-professional roles are more likely to engage in these practices than those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

"The reality is, in Jamaica, things are hard. And if things are hard and people are going to have to survive, they're going to find ways to do it. And transactional sex is one way of doing it, and social media accommodates it."

Bourne initiated this study to shed light on the increasing prevalence of transactional sex, post-COVID-19, and its association with social media. He expressed hope that by publishing these findings, the issue will receive more awareness, and possibly see the development of strategies to address it.

"We may not be able to change behaviour, but we believe if we actually put the research out, the Ministry of Health [and Wellness] people will read it, other personal policymakers will read it and decide, listen, let's see how we can better help people to deal with it."