Sociabilidades “positivas” em rede: Narrativas de jovens em torno do HIV/Aids e suas tensões cotidianas

Abstract

From a qualitative research on sociabilities of young people living with HIV/Aids, this article presents some reflections on the place and importance of new social networks for young people living with HIV/Aids, highlighting some conflicts, dilemmas and tensions in daily issues related to HIV/Aids. Between 2012 and 2014, some online discussion groups and social networks that bring together people living with HIV/Aids were identified and monitored. In this article, through participant observation and online semistructured interviews, we highlight the existence of online support groups managed by people living with HIV/Aids, in order to obtain information, advice and support, even if, in addition to emotional support and information, there is the possibility of reproduction of moral values. It is emphasized that the technologies have brought new types of sociabilities and forms of social organization, produced from health criteria and biological characteristics (somatic). New ways of “social mobilization” are also being made possible through the internet: new commitments and senses of belonging that seem to be more transient, personal, diffuse or “liquid”. In turn, these new forms of sociability also show the multiple ways of living with HIV/Aids.