A sociotechnical network in the light of the gift paradigm: analysis of the object loan app Tem Açúcar? in Rio de Janeiro

This paper carries out a socio-anthropological analysis of Tem Açúcar?, a mobile application created in the name of collaborative consumption, intended for objects loans, donations and exchanges between neighbors of large cities. Placing the discussion in the context of the new collective mobilizations organized in the name of solidarity, it adheres to the interpretative framework of the gift, inherited from the French socio-anthropological school, for a better understanding of the phenomenon. It seeks to understand the experiences and perceptions of its users and reflects on the aspects that enhance and limit the purpose of this socio-technical network in Rio de Janeiro. Interpretative phenomenology is adopted, including observation, interaction and interviews with users to describe and analyze the adherence to the app values, the types of objects that circulate, the way in which encounters occur and the role of trust in the viability of reciprocity relationships. In addition to a strong commitment to the cause of reducing the consumption and the promotion of collaboration and trust among neighbors, the principle of the gift was verified in this sociotechnical network in practices that can only be understood under an anti utilitarian approach. At the same time, trust is an essential factor for the materialization of exchanges and its construction depends on the reputation of the user, as well as the comments of third parties on their profile.