FETLIFE

OVERVIEW

FetLife was established in January 2008 as a social network for individuals interested in BDSM, fetishism, and kink. Founded with the objective to create a safe and inclusive platform for people who felt marginalized by their unique interests, FetLife aims to facilitate connections, communication, and community building among its members. It serves as a network where those curious or actively engaged in the BDSM lifestyle can explore their interests, share experiences, and meet like-minded individuals. The platform functions as a support system, helping members to learn more about BDSM practices safely, share their experiences, and find camaraderie with others who understand and appreciate their lifestyle choices. FetLife operates primarily on a free membership model, which allows users access to most of the website’s features, such as creating a profile, viewing others' profiles, and participating in discussions. However, there is an option for users to become a supporter by paying a voluntary financial contribution. This supporter status enables additional privileges like viewing the most liked pictures and videos, and a badge on the profile indicating their contribution. The funding obtained through these payments is primarily used to maintain and improve the site's features and functionalities.