Online Relationship Formation
Research shows that fat women report a history of dissatisfaction within romantic relationships due to internalized body shame and mistreatment from romantic partners (Gailey, 2012) Combined with the notion that obese stigmatization contributes to an environment where females feel ashamed of their bodies (due to social messages that assert obesity is unacceptable) the process of romantic acquaintance may be complicated for obese women (Dickins et al., 2011; Gailey, 2012).
Research shows a notable online presence of individuals who express a fetishistic interest for those with differ from the relative norm. In this classification, research examining preferences for obesity were also included with preferences for particular heights. Thus it is not possible to deduce a specific frequency of obesity related preferences (Scorolli et al., 2007). However, examinations of dating experiences, which include contact that was generated online, suggest confirmation of a positive online trend for fat admiration in relational and sexual context (Gailey, 2012). By the same token, the proliferation of tailored online dating services may contribute to fat fetishism in which women are marginalized as sexual conquests as opposed to potential long term romantic partners.
Women have reported that exposure to size acceptance coupled with the ability to generate relationships online has contributed to the development of healthy views on sex and body acceptance. An exploration of dating and sexual history among a sample of 36 women self-identifying as fat revealed that the majority of participants met romantic partners through online mediums or events associated with fat acceptance. Given the interconnectedness of social networking and online dating sites, the internet appears to be an instrumental component in the dating experiences of obese women. Moreover, women who reported that they internalized the ideals of fat acceptance, found on blogs and listservs (for example, BigFatBlog.com). showed more confidence with their bodies and more confidence engaging in intimacy. In short, the contributions of the online acceptance movement may contribute to more fulfilling online dating experiences by increasing confidence and affirming identity components central to healthy sexual expressiveness (Gailey, 2012).
Research shows a notable online presence of individuals who express a fetishistic interest for those with differ from the relative norm. In this classification, research examining preferences for obesity were also included with preferences for particular heights. Thus it is not possible to deduce a specific frequency of obesity related preferences (Scorolli et al., 2007). However, examinations of dating experiences, which include contact that was generated online, suggest confirmation of a positive online trend for fat admiration in relational and sexual context (Gailey, 2012). By the same token, the proliferation of tailored online dating services may contribute to fat fetishism in which women are marginalized as sexual conquests as opposed to potential long term romantic partners.
Women have reported that exposure to size acceptance coupled with the ability to generate relationships online has contributed to the development of healthy views on sex and body acceptance. An exploration of dating and sexual history among a sample of 36 women self-identifying as fat revealed that the majority of participants met romantic partners through online mediums or events associated with fat acceptance. Given the interconnectedness of social networking and online dating sites, the internet appears to be an instrumental component in the dating experiences of obese women. Moreover, women who reported that they internalized the ideals of fat acceptance, found on blogs and listservs (for example, BigFatBlog.com). showed more confidence with their bodies and more confidence engaging in intimacy. In short, the contributions of the online acceptance movement may contribute to more fulfilling online dating experiences by increasing confidence and affirming identity components central to healthy sexual expressiveness (Gailey, 2012).