CONCEPT PAPER

Group 2
Abdullah, Naira
Cagampang Edgar Jr.
Dong, Jaysaint
Humpay Joshua
Ponte, Mike
Sugal, Stephanie Nyra

Proposed Title of Research Interest:

A Sociological Exploration on the Role of Mass Media Online Commercial Sex Work
Engagement of College Students in Private Colleges and Universities in General
Santos City

Area of Study
Sociology of Media

Background of the Study

The commercial sex trade in the Philippines has a long and complex history
(Urada et al. 2014). It is deeply rooted in poverty, corruption, and the socio-economic
disparities that plague the country. In the past, the sex industry was mainly characterized
by street prostitution and establishment-based sex work. However, with the advent of
the internet, commercial sex work has taken a new form- online sex work. Online sex
work refers to the use of technology, such as social media and dating sites, to facilitate
prostitution and other forms of sexual engagement (Ernst et al. 2021).

Online commercial sex work in the Philippines is not only prevalent among adults
but also among college students. The study by (Ernst et al. 2021) showed that many
college students engage in online sex work to supplement their income or to finance
their education. The phenomenon is particularly common among students in private
colleges and universities. Research has attributed this trend to the high cost of education
in private institutions, coupled with the fact that many students come from affluent
backgrounds where material possessions and instant gratification are the norms (Rolfe
2001).

The expansion of online commercial sex work in the Philippines is a matter of

serious concern, particularly because of the high levels of exploitation and abuse that
usually accompany such activities. Research by Campbell et al. (2019) shows that most
online sex workers operate under precarious conditions, with limited control over their
working hours and conditions of work. Additionally, there is a high likelihood of
 exposure to violence, trafficking, and infections like HIV/AIDS.

The extant literature on youth offenders reveals the complexity and sensitivity of
the topic as it was still not accepted in the present. Most of these studies are western-in-
flavor indicating that there is a dearth in the literature regarding the perception and
engagement of college students in online commercial sex work, specifically in General
Santos City. In order to have a deeper understanding and to gain research-based
knowledge that can help close the gap, guide future efforts, and shed light on the
underlying motivations of college students in private colleges and universities in the
city, the influence of mass media on their attitude, and their means on navigating
towards social issues in relation to online commercial sex work. With all the motivations
mentioned above, the researchers were motivated to conduct a narrative study on college
students’ engagement in online commercial sex work as facilitated by mass media.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to describe the perceptions and motivations towards the engagement
of college students in various private colleges and universities in General Santos City.
Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the underlying factors that motivate college students to engage in online
commercial sex work facilitated by mass media?
2. How does the mass media affect college students' attitudes toward engaging in
online commercial sex work?
3. How do college students who engage in online commercial sex work navigate
privacy and safety issues?
Objectives of the Study
This study aims to fulfill the following objectives to wit;

1. To determine the specific factors that motivate college students to engage in online
commercial sex work facilitated by mass media.
2. To understand the relationship between mass media and the attitudes of college
students towards engaging in online commercial sex work.
3. To explore how college students who engage in online commercial sex work
navigate privacy and safety concerns, and to examine the role that mass media
plays in shaping their perceptions of these issues.

Research Locale and Respondents

 The target participants of the current study will be six (6) students from private
colleges and universities of General Santos City who are actively participating in online
commercial sex work using digital media. They will be chosen carefully using the
inclusion criteria. Moreover, the participants must be on their final year level regardless of
their chosen program and at the same time have regular units for the past four (4) years.
Participants must be male and engaged in online commercial sex work. This may include
activities such as webcam modeling, escorting, sugar dating, selling adult content, or
participating in other forms of online sex work. Furthermore, these are the students who are
not just continuing their higher education but at the same time are also engaging in this
kind of activity whatever the reasons are. Research participants may come from different
Barangay in General Santos City. Any person who meets the criteria mentioned above will
be selected as the research participant.

The research site will be dynamic and cannot be confined to one area. The in-depth
interview will be conducted face-to-face. The researchers will observe health protocols to
guarantee the safety of all the people involved in the study. Both the researchers and the
participants will hold the discussions in private locations to maintain confidentiality.

Literature Review

Motivating Factors of College Student’s Engagement in Online Commercial Sex

Work

The motivation for engaging in sex work among students and young men in the
Philippines is multifaceted, with financial difficulties being just one factor. Cultural, social,
and online factors play a significant role in driving individuals toward this line of work, as
seen in the studies conducted in Germany, China, and Cebu City. A deeper understanding
of these motivations is crucial to developing effective policies and interventions that
address the needs of sex workers and reduce the stigma associated with this work.

In the study conducted in Germany, the majority of students working as sex workers
(35.7%) stated that their main motivation for entering the sex industry was the opportunity
to earn a higher income compared to other jobs. Some participants (20.3%) cited financial
hardship as their primary motivation, while a similar number (15.9%) stated that it was not
a significant factor. Only a small percentage (4.0%) mentioned that financial gain was not
important to them. These findings suggest that financial difficulties are not the only reason
for student engagement in the sex industry. Other underlying factors such as job flexibility,
may also play a role, since students often face challenges in maintaining regular jobs due to
their studies. Further, the study was conducted in a developed country whereas student
loans are not quite in demand compared to developing countries. Thus, further
investigation in the Philippine context is recommended encompassing the motivation of
online sex workers in Philippine universities. (Ernst, Seiferth, Kohler, Amelung, and
Betzler (2021).

According to the study of Fang and Tang (2023), the internet and introductions by
peers serve as the primary conduits through which Chinese male students become engaged
in the sex industry. Findings revealed that the majority of student sex workers were found
to be predominantly motivated by a combination of sexual desires and consumption
demands. Participants who are primarily driven by sexual urges frequently adopt a
selective approach towards their client and regard commercial sex as a type of
“transactional hookup”. While the paper provides valuable insights into the experiences
and motivations of Chinese male student sex workers, there are certain limitations in the
data presented. The study was specifically conducted in China. Therefore, the results may
not accurately reflect the experiences of male student sex workers in the Philippine
settings, as cultural factors can significantly influence the dynamics of the sex industry.

Additionally, Filipino sex workers in the study of Sanchez (2021), reported that
male adults (ages 20-above) and teenagers (18-19) were motivated to enter prostitution due
to poverty, lack of parental guidance, peer pressure, and early exposure to pornography.
The study revealed that participants catered to a diverse clientele, including bisexual and
transgender individuals in online platforms through the help of the internet. Although
society often stigmatizes and condemns individuals involved in prostitution, it is important
to understand the underlying motivations that drive them to engage in this line of work.
Findings revealed that by engaging in prostitution, the participants aim to meet their
immediate needs, such as food, shelter, and education. Overall, this uncover the
experiences of male teenagers and adult sex workers in Cebu City and provides insights
into their attitudes, motivations, challenges, and coping mechanisms within the context of
prostitution. Moreover, the study is limited to a small sample of 6 participants. Thus,
findings may not represent all the experiences of male sex workers in the Philippines.

OnlyFans, according to Hamilton, Soneji, Mcdonald, and Redmiles (2022), is a

rapidly growing subscription-based social media platform with approximately 1.5 million
content creators. It is primarily known for its association with sexual content, which serves
as a unique intersection for individuals engaged in both professional social media content
creation and sex work. In this study, the motivations of creators who did not have prior
experience in the sex work industry were explored through qualitative interview. Findings
revealed that apart from the conventional motivations for engaging in freelancing, the
participants were driven by three key factors. Firstly, they were attracted to the heightened
visibility and increased acceptance of OnlyFans within society. Secondly, they found the
platform's design and features particularly appealing, as they provided opportunities to
establish boundaries with clients, maintain privacy from the public, and preserve content
archives. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in motivating creators
to join OnlyFans, as it presented a unique opportunity to overcome challenges associated
with lockdown measures. In conclusion, participants’ motivation uncovers the diverse
factors that influence individuals to become OnlyFans creators, especially those who had
not previously engaged in sex work. These findings is relevant to the present study as it
encompasses the motivation of commercial sex work through the use of mass media.

Mass Media’s Impact on College Students' Attitudes Toward Online Commercial Sex
Work

College Students Navigating Privacy and Safety Issues of Online Commercial Sex
Work

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This part of the study contains the theory used in approaching the study. This study
is anchored on the Social Learning Theory pioneered by Albert Bandura and the Social
Exchange Theory of George Homans.

Social Learning Theory, on one hand, argued that social behavior is learned by
observing and imitating the behavior of others. It emphasizes the role of observational
learning and modeling in shaping human behavior. According to Myers (2016), we learn
social behavior by observing and imitating others within our social environment, and by
being rewarded and punished. People make choices based on self-reflection but mainly the
environment in which a person finds themselves influences the way they behave and learn.

On the other hand, Social Exchange Theory uses a cost-benefit analysis to describe
social interactions and relationships. It contends that people are motivated to maximize
their rewards while minimizing costs of their actions. Individuals weigh prospective
benefits and costs before making decisions based on the perceived rewards.
Companionship, emotional support, material resources, or status can be considered
rewards, whereas costs can include time, effort, emotional tension, or loss of resources
(Jonason & Middleton 2015).

In this study, whether the participant learned or not his/her behavior in participating
to the online commercial sex work through their exposure to various social media
platforms is a main concern of this study. Researchers will explore and explain using the
lens of Social Learning Theory on how the participants’ behavior were influenced by social
media platforms and their social environment to engage in online commercial sex work and
to the extent of how they have been rewarded and punished in the course of their
engagement. Social Exchange Theory could help explain as to how the perceived benefits
or rewards of engaging to online commercial sex work influenced participants to
participate given of all the costs of their actions.

Research Design

In this study, the researchers will utilize a qualitative research method using
narrative analysis. It will be used to answer questions about attitudes, experience, and
perspective, most often from the standpoint of the participant. It can be useful to
conceptualize research as the process of reducing our uncertainty about important
questions (Sofaer 2000).

Method of Data Gathering

First and foremost, the researchers will find participants in person. After that, the
researchers will determine the qualified participants of the study based on the inclusion
criteria. The researchers will also ask for any referrals from their mutual friends to look for
other participants to participate in the In-depth Interview. Subsequently, the researchers
will request consent from the six (6) potential participants through actual discussion on the
content of the consent form. Also, the researchers will present the details to the participants
on the conduct of the study, its purpose; its significance; and as to why they are chosen to
participate in the study. When the appointment is set, the researchers will update the
participants through chat (messenger) and meet them personally for more details prior to
the actual interview session.

Ahead of the actual In-depth Interview, the researchers will prepare everything
which consists of a phone recorder and a questionnaire. During the actual day of the
interview with the informants, the researchers will hold the interview in an environment
where there are fewer distractions and noise. Also, the researchers will hand a consent form
and would ask permission to record the whole sessions. Beforehand, the researchers will
discuss the content on the consent form. Participants will also be informed that
confidentiality of the response and identity will be considered.

The researchers will inform the participants that the interview results will be shared
with the academe, NGOs, and the public. The researchers will prepare the In-depth
Interview Guide that will direct the whole conversation. After the In-depth Interview, the
researchers will thank the participants for their time and contribution to the study. The
bother’s fee will be provided to the participants as a token of appreciation for their
participation. Confidentiality will be applied and should be taken seriously.
Data Analysis

A qualitative research approach is proposed for this study. The researchers will use
narrative and thematic analysis. As cited by Creswell (2007) narrative studies are the life
experiences of individuals over time. Researchers will use narrative analysis to understand
how research participants construct stories and narratives from their own personal
experiences. That means there is a dual layer of interpretation in narrative analysis. First,
the research participants interpret their own lives through narrative. Then the researchers
interpret the construction of that narrative.

Following the collection of relevant data, the data will be analyzed using the
thematic analysis approach, which is the most extensively used qualitative research data
analysis method for detecting, analyzing, and reporting patterns within data (Braun and
Clarke 2006). Each conversation will be documented during the interview transcribing
process. The researchers will independently read each transcript and code themes. Lastly,
the researchers will finalize the significant themes and include the minor themes in them to
analyze the gathered data.

Ethical Considerations

The researchers will follow the research code of ethics to protect the people who will be
included in the study. To conduct the research, the researchers will submit a letter of
consent to the head of the Sociology Department at Mindanao State University—General
Santos City. If it is approved, the researchers will begin to look for selected participants
who can provide credible, reliable, and valid independent information for the study. The
participants will receive a formal letter from the researchers. The research participants will
have the option of agreeing or declining to take part in the study. Before conducting the
interview, a consent form will be presented to the subject participants to further elaborate
on the purpose of the study, this consent would also entail the rights of the participants
upon the interview. The researchers will then provide a consent form that briefly outlines
the study’s purpose, potential risks, and benefits and guarantees the participants’ privacy
and anonymity. Both the researchers and the potential participants in the study will sign
this.

The researchers will inform the participants that the interview will last an hour and will be
recorded. The researchers will notify the participants that their responses will be
transcribed and maintain strict confidentiality over the data that they will provide. They
will be made to sign the consent form and will also give the assurance to the participants
that the information that will be gathered will be used for the study purposes only. The
researchers will assure the participants that the recorded interview will be destroyed after
transcription and that they will return it for validation of sub-themes and emergent themes
on the matrices developed by the study.

The researchers will be extra cautious when collecting data after receiving the consent
form. They will be careful and follow the research protocols to preserve the participants’
rights. They will also be upfront about the potential risks of participating, how the data
acquired will be used, and will ask for permission to record the entire conversation for data
transcription purposes. Throughout the research, the researchers will eliminate any
stereotypes, biases, and prejudices. The data gathered from the participants will be kept
confidentially. Using pseudonyms, numbering the participants and their data, and changing
the identities of some information that needs to be hidden, the researchers will maintain the
confidentiality, privacy, and anonymity of the participants.

References

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Motivations, Feelings, Risks, and Judgments. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 586235.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.586235
Campbell, Rosie, Teela Sanders, Jane Scoular, Jane Pitcher, and Stewart Cunningham.
2019.“Risking Safety and Rights: Online Sex Work, Crimes and ‘Blended Safety Repertoires’:
Risking Safety and Rights.” The British Journal of Sociology 70(4):1539–60. doi:
10.1111/1468-4446.12493.
Hamilton, V., Soneji, A., McDonald, A., & Redmiles, E. 2022. " Nudes Shouldn't I charge for
these": Exploring What Motivates Content Creation on OnlyFans. arXiv preprint
arXiv:2205.10425
Rolfe, Heather. 2001. The effect of tuition fees on students’ demands and expectations: evidence
from case studies. National Institute of Economic and Social Research, NIESR
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Sanchez, Soren. 2021. The Open Secret of Male Prostitution in The Philippines: A Descriptive
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materials on Hong Kong adolescents' attitude, knowledge, and behavior relating to sex.
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