Go With the Flow: How young people define and practice good sex at techno parties

The way young people engage in the techno scene has been described in highly contrasting ways. On the one hand, the techno scene is portrayed as a place of risk, where partying becomes a vehicle for excessive sexual behavior. On the other hand, it has been attributed a culture of sexual avoidance. This ethnographic study demonstrates that neither of these two opposites are true. By conducting participant observations, interviews and an analysis of social media activity, this study provides an account on the definition and practice of good sex from the perspective of young people themselves. The results demonstrate that good sex at the techno party can evoke experiences of flow by addressing its autotelic nature. Due to the high level of self-determination and control perceived by its visitors, the techno party enables its visitors to engage with sex and sexuality in a way they experience as pleasurable. The open and friendly environment allows a fluid and elusive understanding of sexuality which leaves much room for individual interpretations of sexuality. Although this pleasure found in flow is experienced on an individual level, it does not mean that is not social. Even more so, in order for sex to transform into flow, it is necessary to have a social other who guarantees a socially safe space by eliminating feelings of insecurity, hesitation and awkwardness. This study therefore does not only provide an alternative view on the way young people engage with sexuality at techno parties, but also demonstrates that the experience of flow during good sex is autotelic, but requires a social other as well.