Examining the Economics of Prostitution Using Online Data

The exchanges between sex workers and their clients are often hidden from view, making it difficult to understand how the prices paid to sex workers vary depending on city, time of the year, where they solicit, and the demographics and attitudes of the sex worker. The Internet and computer-mediated communications, however, enable an investigation of prostitution as the customers of various sex workers discuss their sexual exploits and share tips and information with others online. This research uses data collected from 10 city-specific Web forums to examine the price structures of prostitution and the attitudinal, behavioral, and demographic factors affecting the prices paid to sex workers. The implications of this study for our understanding of the various environmental, individual, and situational factors that affect the supply and demand of the sex trade from the client’s perspective will be explored in detail.