Cyber Sex

Internet-based sexual intercourse that does not entail face-to-face interaction is known as "cybersex." Although it's not always the case, people engaging in cybersex may masturbate during their interactions.

Netsex, computer sex, or online sex are other names for cyber sex. Cybering is another term that some people use to refer to having cybersex.

Types of cyber sex

Cybersex comes in a variety of forms, including:

• Sexting: utilizing direct messaging apps or cell phones to send pornographic text messages.
• Webcamming: employing a separate webcam or a camera built into a computer or phone to broadcast explicit video content.
• Using teledildonics: using internet-connected sex toys, which let someone at a distance regulate the user's level of stimulation using an app or website.
• Engaging with chatbots: communicating sexually with an AI system.
• Alternate reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) sex: engaging in sexual interactions with other users in virtual worlds.

Viewing pornography or erotica online is also regarded by some as cybersex. However, there is only one participant, in contrast to other forms of cybersex.

Who has cybersex?

According to research, cybersex is highly prevalent, particularly among young adults. Nearly one-third of participants in a 2005 survey of Swedish internet users reported having experienced cybersexuality. Women appeared to be slightly more interested in cybersex as they grew older, whereas men appeared to be less interested.

Compared to only 25% of men in the same age range, 37% of women aged 35 to 49 who participated in the poll reported having experienced cybersexual activity. Additionally, this study discovered that the likelihood of these encounters was equal for those in committed partnerships and those who were single.

CampusKiss.com, a Canadian dating site, surveyed dating and sex among college students nationwide in 2006. Of the 2,500 youth polled, 87 percent engaged in cybersex. More recently, a 2021 study on sex tech by the Kinsey Institute revealed that 51% of women and 79% of men had engaged in some kind of sex tech, such as camming or sexting.

People who cyber sex and their relationships

The Kinsey Institute study also dispelled myths regarding the types of people who participate in cybersex.

In a press release, Dr. Amanda Gesselman, Associate Director for Research at the Kinsey Institute and Anita Aldrich Endowment Research Scientist, stated, "A common misconception is that people turn to the Internet for romantic or sexual connections because they are incapable of forming relationships face-to-face." On the contrary, our findings indicate that online sexual spaces aren't serving as a "last resort" for those who haven't been able to establish sexual relationships in real life. Instead, a large number of users in these areas probably have sufficient social networks and social support, but they are using online sexual technology to get a notable psychological boost.

Relationships between cybersex participants can differ. Online anonymity makes it familiar for strangers to engage in cybersex. Through online sex, some people might like the opportunity to explore their sexuality without fear of criticism from those they know.

People in a range of partnerships may find cybersex to be an alluring alternative. When they are unable to touch one another physically, people in long-distance relationships may find that online sex helps them stay intimate.

When in-person interaction isn't feasible, as when someone is sick, cybersex can also be a means for partners to be intimate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersex was also a desirable alternative for those who exercised social distancing.

The president of the relationship skills group The PAIRS Foundation, Seth Eisenberg, told Kinkly that cybersex provides a reasonably safe means for couples in a new relationship to get to know one another's sexual preferences, boundaries, and communication styles.

He went on to say that more established couples looking for more variety in their sexual encounters may find online sex to be a helpful tool. "Introducing cybersex may keep the relationship interesting and dynamic by bringing excitement and novelty. It enables couples to experiment and maintain their spark.

How to negotiate cyber sex

Depending on whether they are cybering with an existing partner or someone they met online, especially for a cybersex session, people negotiate cybersex differently.

Relationship partners may talk about their interest in cybersex in advance. They could discuss their preferences for cybersex and the possible course of their relationship. Partners can feel more at ease during internet sex if they talk about boundaries and triggers at this point.

It's critical to consider the interests and restrictions of the other person when engaging in cybersex with a stranger or online acquaintance. By asking questions like "Does that feel turn you on?" or "How about I…?" when a conversation appears to be getting heated, participants can ensure the other person is on board. You can make sure that sexually explicit photographs or films will be well received by getting consent before transmitting them.

Webcam shows and other paid cybersex services are also available.

Because service providers clearly state what is included in their fees, negotiating these interactions can be more straightforward. Consumers should never cross the boundaries established by these providers and their sex workers.

Staying safe during cyber sex

Many of the risks associated with conventional intercourse, including pregnancy and STDs, are absent from online sex as it does not entail face-to-face contact. People should still think about the risks before having cybersex, though.

Maintain personal privacy

People may save and share the communications they transmit through cybersex. Sexually explicit photographs can also be shared via email or posted on websites. Sextortion is another risk associated with cybersex.

Cybercriminals may persuade their victims to click links that activate malware or viruses, leaving their devices vulnerable to hacking. The cybercriminal may demand payment to stop the user from sharing explicit content with people they know after gaining access to the user's contact list.

The safest places for cybersex are those with familiar, reliable users. People can lower their risk when cybering with anonymous partners by only texting or by not filming their faces or other distinguishable features, including tattoos. They might also want to keep other objects that identify them out of the camera's field of view, including prizes with names clearly visible. Using an online alias instead of a real name is also advised.

Because companies may keep an eye on how their employees use company property, it's also better to utilize personal devices and accounts for cybersex.

Technology such as encrypted messaging apps and virtual private networks can also assist users in protecting their privacy when engaging in cybersex. Additionally, since companies usually have explicit privacy policies and employ modern security techniques, paying for cybersex services can be safer than cybering with random web users.

Set personal limits

Cybersex can swiftly escalate and leave people feeling ashamed or embarrassed, just like real-world sex, according to Passionerad's sexologist and couples therapist Sofie Roos, who spoke to Kinkly about this.

She advised, "Determine in advance what you feel comfortable showing and set rules for yourself." "Set the boundaries before you begin, and don't break them because it's easy to be caught in the heat and/or convinced to show more than you truly desire! You won't regret the cybersex as much after you're done because of it.

In order to make wise decisions regarding online safety and cybersex, she also urged users to abstain from drug and alcohol use when cybering.

Be aware it's addictive.

Cybersex can potentially turn into an addiction. About 20% of those who suffer from an internet addiction claim to be hooked to cybersex or other forms of online sex. According to a 2017 University of North Carolina at Greensboro research, up to 10% of students suffer from a cybersex addiction.

"An addiction can cause you to lose focus on important things like your studies, relationships with friends and family, and your desire to find a romantic partner in real life. It can also push your behavior to the point where you go beyond what you want other people to see of you and what you show of yourself online," Roos continued.

"A cyber sex addiction is more dangerous than a porn addiction because you are more likely to harm yourself or others because you are interacting with real people in real time, and it is very easy to lose control and go too far because you have to push the boundaries to feed the addiction."

For those who believe that cybersex is an issue for them, counseling may be helpful.

Make sure activities are legal.

Verifying that any cybersex acts are legal is also crucial. Sharing unsolicited sexually explicit content or making unwanted sexual advances is banned in various places. Additionally, even with their approval, it is prohibited to have cyber sex with minors, which includes sending and receiving sexually explicit images and videos. By constantly getting consent from cybersex partners and making sure they are of legal age, people can remain out of trouble with the law.