On the face of it, Shagster seems a rather frivolous bit of social software. I predict that it may well be a spectacular success, especially among men who seem rather more inclined to compete on this issue than women (with some notable exceptions, of course!). Equally, the level of precision might deter many, since statistics seem much more fun when made up on the spot to suit current audience…
What I find interesting is that this could have a completely tangential “bonus” functionality. The reason to fill up the database is ego — but then if someone is infected with HIV, or treated for an STD or whatever, then it would be possible to notify their “shagged network” that they might want to get tested. If this was the original aim of the site, it would indubitably bomb. But the point of the site is ego and yet one of the side-effects is potentially life-saving.
Interesting, doncha think?
Comments (1) Permalink
June 14th, 2005 at 12:00 AM
I wonder what the longest link of sexual partners is, and whether it spans 2 or more generations?
They ought to throw a few sexual health banners at the bottom of each page to put the willies up* some of those promiscuous fornicators.
Let me get this straight though. Whoever uses this site is having sex with enough people to feel the need to brag about it. But somewhere between having all this sex, they want to database it up ON THE INTERNET and cross-reference their partners. While telling them about it. I don’t know, it doesn’t make sense to me – all the site seems to be useful for is reminding me of the pitiful amount of carnal activity going on in my immediate vicinity these days. So thanks for that Shagster
* I’m quite happy with my pun 😀