“Se tivesse filmado, tinha viralizado”: violência, tecnologias e sobrevivência em um motovlog

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4322/dilemas.v17.n3.65299

Keywords:

violence, delivery workers, digital influencer, platforms, city

Abstract

Had I filmed it, it would have gone viral”: violence, technologies and survival in a motovlog. In recent years we have seen a significant increase in the use of motorcycles as a work tool in major Brazilian cities, driven by the demand for fast and low-cost deliveries. This article examines the violence and crime affecting delivery workers,using videos produced by the delivery worker (and digital influencer) Jeff Fernandes on YouTube as empirical material. First, we discuss the expansion of app-based delivery work and its relation with the city, space, and time, which influence both financial earnings and the risks involved. We then explore the popularity of “motovlogs,” videos that portray the lives of motorbike couriers and have become a widely shared content on YouTube. This first-person video not only document delivery workers’ experiences but also serve as a medium for cultural and identity digital production. In the second part, we analyze Jeff Fernandes’ motovlogs, highlighting how this content addresses issues of violence, surveillance, technology, and survival strategies within the urban context.

Author Biographies

Bruno Cardoso, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Professor do Programa de Pós-graduação em Sociologia e Antropologia (PPGSA) da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). É Doutor em Ciências Humanas (Antropologia Cultural) (PPGSA/UFRJ), Mestre em Sociologia (PPGSA/UFRJ) e Bacharel em Ciências Sociais (UFRJ). Coordenador do Laboratório de Estudos Digitais (LED-IFCS).

Nina Desgranges, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BRasil

Doutoranda no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sociologia e Antropologia (PPGSA) da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) e mestre em Sociologia pelo mesmo programa. Bacharel em Ciências Sociais também pela UFRJ e pesquisadora do Laboratório de Estudos Digitais (LED-IFCS).

Published

2024-12-10