From Darkroom to Blackbox: The Effects of Digitalization on Gay Dating

Explore the effects of digitalization on gay dating in this 42-minute conference talk from the 37C3 event. Trace the cultural history of gay subculture, explaining the significance of darkrooms and similar semi-public spaces for gay sex. Examine how the digitalization of these spaces into platforms like GayChat and Grindr has impacted the gay scene. Analyze the fundamental differences between gay cruising apps and heterosexual dating apps in terms of culture and software design. Challenge dualities such as homosexuality/heterosexuality, cruising/dating, and promiscuity/monogamy. Discuss the illusion of interactivity on dating platforms and explore ways to break free from the "interpassive" consumer status in online dating. Aimed at hackers of all sexualities, this talk critically examines the current crisis in gay subculture and the regulatory effects of online platforms on homosexual individuals.