‘I don’t consider this sex work’: Adelaide ‘sugar babies’ explain why they use an app to hook up with wealthy older men

The concept of Sugar Babies is in the headlines again after Federal MP Andrew Broad's alleged dalliance - but there are hundreds of young South Australian women signed up to a “sugar daddy” website, and three so-called "sugar babies" say it isn't a big deal.

HUNDREDS of young South Australian women have signed up to a “sugar daddy” website which promises to match wealthy older men with young women willing to spend time with them.

The “Seeking Arrangement” website and app even offers free premium memberships for members with a university email account.

The site is explicit about its aims, even putting out press releases including facts about the cost of going to university in Australia, and the number of “sugar babies” enrolled at the larger universities in the eastern states.

The highest two were the Griffith University with 475 and University of Sydney with 436. However, a search by The Advertiser earlier this year found well over a hundred local women — plus men and some couples — listed on the site.

Members can list their details on their profile, including “lifestyle expectation” which can range from “minimal” to “extravagant”.

One profile says the user was “seeking a gentleman” and was under no illusions as to the reality of the situation.

“Treat me respectfully and I will do the same for you,’’ she says.

“We are both here for a reason. You want companionship and to help someone. I want financial support and great memories.

“This isn’t all about money for me, but please do not insult me by pretending it isn’t part of the arrangement. I look forward to talking.’’

Another was looking for “a mentor to show me the executive lifestyle, show me the basics of business trips and weekend getaways’’.

Yet another was seeking several thousand dollars to finance a nose-job.

How Seeking Arrangement markets itself on the internet — and two examples of young women’s profiles on the app.

Seeking Arrangement claims there are five “sugar babies” to every one Sugar Daddy in Adelaide.

The vast majority of women featured on the site appear to have no qualms about showing their face and hence their identity.

The Advertiser spoke with three Adelaide women listed on the site.

The three women did not consider the “arrangements’’ to be sex work, saying there were a range of activities ranging from going out to dinner to more intimate arrangements.

One woman, who we will call Frances, 21, said she had been in an arrangement with one “daddy” for three years but was looking for a new one as that person had gone overseas.

“I’ve only had one intimate relationship and that was because I was happy to,’’ she said.

“Most of the men just want company or someone to go to dinner with.

“Personally I don’t have a genuine connection with any of the daddies, I see it purely as a source of income.’’

Frances said she did not see her involvement in such arrangements as sex work. Nor did a 20-year-old personal trainer from Adelaide.

“The way I organise my arrangements I don’t consider it to be sex work,’’ she said.

“The arrangements vary depending on the person and what they’re seeking.

“They’re almost always mutually beneficial for both parties though.

“The connection again depends on the person, sometimes they're genuine and other times they’re financial-based. I prefer to establish a connection first.’’

Most of the profiles read similarly to a mainstream dating site. While some are explicit about the financial aspects of arrangements, most allude to it only in a sidelong fashion, and most seem to aim for authenticity, rather than salaciousness.

Many are students, including some studying nursing, medicine, architecture and communications.

“I’m a 19-year-old uni student, studying psychology and I’m obsessed with dogs and art. Making me laugh is pretty easy, even bad jokes get me,’’ reads one typically innocent-sounding profile.

At the other end of the spectrum: “I love all men, all ages, I’m young but I’m experienced and I’m up for anything as long as your (sic) buying me things or spoiling me with lavish items,” writes an 18-year-old woman who listed her Lifestyle Expectation as “substantial’’.

There are also a very limited number of profiles interested in “financial domination”, which is a form of sexualised domination which can involve giving someone else access to your bank accounts.

Sonya Ryan, who set up the Carly Ryan Foundation to educate young people about safe internet use following the murder of her teenage daughter by a middle-aged man posing as an 18-year-old online, said the potential to end up in an unsafe situation from such “arrangements” was high.

“An app like Seeking Arrangement where there’s a financial transaction provides the perfect platform for young people to be exploited,’’ Ms Ryan said.

“It creates a situation where a person’s choices are taken from them very quickly and then anything can happen.

“We’ve been concerned for some time about other apps like Tinder being used to negotiate payment in exchange for sex, even though that’s not the explicit nature of the platform.

“The potential for abuse is over the top and it really gives me chills.

“Everyone, but young people in particular, need to ensure their safety is paramount — if you wish to pursue a connection then get a police clearance, do your background checks, because it’s not worth the risk.’’

Ms Ryan said her organisation had experienced an increase in universities asking for guidance on educating students.

“We also know from our parents’ seminars that many are using dating apps like Tinder, and so our education extends to informing them about staying safe in these circumstances.

“We know from our work with police that paedophiles are using dating apps to befriend single parents in order to access the children of those parents, which would also be a risk with apps like Seeking Arrangement.

“We are also promoting our free personal safety app Thread to adults more and more because of dating apps. Thread provides an immediate connection between a user’s location, trusted contacts and emergency services.’’

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