“Exchange
supposes an objective measurement of subjective valuations” - Georg Simmel
The
concept of exchange is not new, in fact it dates back to ancient societies and
can be seen in examples such as the silk road, the kula ring and the spice
routes, among others (Henry, 2020). What is
new is the way in which we exchange in the modern world.
Online
networks are used for many things from reconnecting with old friends to
networking with new career prospects and the options just keep growing. What is
new is the way in which we exchange in the modern world.
One of
these networks that has become more popular since the Covid-19 pandemic is Only
Fans. Commonly thought to be only for those in the sex worker community only
fans is a platform that can be used to share and show off the talents and
hobbies of content creators.
In
exchange they can be tipped and gifted money (What Is OnlyFans?, 2020). In his
theory on exchange Marcel Mauss describes it as “A form of
symbolic human transaction solidifying relationships of power, through
obligation, indebtedness, and social prestige.” (Henry, 2020)
This is in
essence how Only Fans works and how the content creators make money. By
garnering tips and the use of pay per view (PPV) options they create a curated following
who exchange their money for a perceived social connection given to them by the
influencer.
“Exchange takes us to the economy and to
society and the notion of giving and receiving. In this context, reciprocity is
an exchange which maintains equilibrium in the circulation of goods.”
(exchange, 2003)
There are
3 types of exchange, generalised, balanced and negative, with only fans the
type of exchange used is
According to
Mauss, “the social relations between giver and receiver are crucial in
determining the meaning of a gift” when it comes to only fnas the entire basis
of the relationship between giver and receiver is based on the giving of the gift.
Without having a subscription or paying per view you are unable to see anything
from the content provider which puts the influencer in a position of power.
Exchange. (2003). In J. Lechte, Key contemporary concepts. Sage UK. Credo
Reference:
https://elibrary.jcu.edu.au/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/sageukcc/exchange/0?institutionId=429
Henry, R. (2020). BA1002: Our space: networks, narrative and the making
of place; Week 8 – Exchange [PowerPoint slides]. Learn JCU. https://learn.jcu.edu.au
Unsplash. (2020, June 16). Photo by mateus campos Felipe on Unsplash.
Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash.
https://unsplash.com/photos/ZKJQCWsKmPs
What is OnlyFans? A
closer look at the subscription-based social media site. (2020, September 17).
Influencer Marketing Hub. https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-onlyfans/
What is OnlyFans,
who uses it, and how does it work? (2020, August 29). Pocket-lint.
https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/153545-what-is-onlyfans-who-uses-it-and-how-does-it-work
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