What you should know about Cybersex

Any sexual action that takes place virtually between two or more people is referred to as cybersex, and examples include sexting, sharing explicit photos or videos with a partner, webcam sex, and chatroom sex. Other cybersex activities entail describing sexual thoughts or scenarios in written or spoken words, even if some cybersex experiences involve visual components like images or video. Cybersex typically involves one or more persons masturbating in real life.

How safe can we say cybersex is?

Cybersex is typically regarded as a risk-free sexual activity. The absence of physical touch between the participants eliminates any possibility of an unforeseen pregnancy or the spread of STDs (STIs). However, people who engage in cybersex should be aware that they put their privacy at risk if they share private sexually explicit photos or films with a partner because that person might disclose them to others. Additionally, persons who engage in cybersex with strangers online should be aware that on the internet, strangers can readily fabricate information about their age, gender, and other personal attributes. So, it's not a good idea to meet up with an anonymous cybersex partner in person without first verifying their identity.

What varieties of cybersex are there?

• Sexting is the practice of communicating with a partner by phone while expressing oneself sexually explicit.
• Phone sex typically involves talking about sexual activities with another person while on the phone and listening to their descriptions.
• Webcam sex allows users to engage in live video masturbation with one or more people, either on their phone or through an internet video conference platform.
• People engage in chatroom sex in online chatrooms, frequently with unidentified partners.
• As virtual reality systems become more widely available and affordable, virtual reality sex may become increasingly popular. A virtual reality headset is a piece of equipment that is worn on the head and gives the user a 3-dimensional virtual experience. This experience could include 3-D pornography in virtual reality sex.
• Alternate reality sex is sexual activity that takes place online between two digital avatars. Second Life is currently among the most well-known online communities.
• Teledildonics, also known as connected sex toys, are sex toys that may be controlled by long-distance sex partners since they can be operated using an internet-connected device like a smartphone.

Why do people engage in cybersex?

People may choose to engage in cybersex if they are unable to engage in physical sex with a partner owing to a partner's location, a COVID-19 or other illness-related quarantine, or any other pertinent circumstance. Cybersex is another option that couples can use to spice up their sex life. As an alternative, some people believe that having cybersex is a secure method to express their sexuality in a private setting. A person's inhibitions may be lowered by this circumstance, increasing their enjoyment of the activity.

References

[1] Boskey, E., 'Cybersex: Types, Benefits, and Risks. Verywell Health' (online, 2020) < https://www.verywellhealth.com/cybersex-pros-cons-4800752>.
[2] Njsexualmedicine.com, 'What Is Cybersex?' (Online, 2022) <https://www.njsexualmedicine.com/blog/what-is-cybersex>.