The practice of human sexuality is always highly influenced by socio-cultural aspects and each person is touched in his particularity, in his heart, by the environment in which he lives. For example, for some time homosexuality was not seen as a possible sexual orientation, but as a pathology. As the social values ​​of cultures are dynamic, they advance and register changes in behavior in humanity, these same values ​​also determine changes in sexual behavior. In other words, changes in social values ​​also influence the conception and practice of sexuality.

 

Our society today lives, for sure, cybernetically. Very few people are able to live today without the influence of technology and the internet in their lives. In the scope of sexuality, virtual sex can already be considered a possibility of sexual practice, with a legion of supporters, with no judgment here, but only an observation.

 

Here are two controversial themes: sex and technology. A walk through history reminds us of brands such as prejudices, taboos and, perhaps due to ignorance, some distance from the countless transformations that these areas have undergone over the centuries. Even more so when we connect the themes, which give rise to what we can call cybersex. The sex practiced on the internet has provoked many controversies, since the virtual technology - besides opening a great portal for reflections and debates on this and other objectionable and even forbidden subjects - made possible this modality of sexual practice known also as virtual sex.

 

There are still some cybernetic variables, such as virtual group sex, virtual voyeurism, among others. "Click" has already become one of the most pronounced verbs and a simple click can make us navigate seas of information, objects of desires and relationships between people. We cannot forget about pornography, which appropriated this technological resource to expand its limits.

 

But with the advent of cybersex, questions like:

 

Can virtual sex replace real sex?

Can virtual sex provide real pleasure?

What are the positive and negative aspects of this practice?

Is dating on the internet good for you?

In this time when the launch of a social networking site in the American stock market generated space in the world media for several weeks (given the values ​​of the negotiations), to reflect on these and other issues related to virtual relationships between people is, at least, an interesting postmodern theme.

 

Social networks have become points of social and loving encounters, in addition, of course, to the increasingly accelerated multiplication of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channels, which consist of a means of communication used on the internet, which provides meetings, flirting, and even sexual-loving and virtual practices. It is basically used as chat and file exchange, allowing group or private conversation.

 

The computer becomes the cupid that will fire clicks, according to the preferences and intentions of the web browsers. Through it, people are able to establish relationships with people known or strangers, but who look for a bond in this virtual contact, even for a few moments. Social networking sites are emerging and innovating every day and chat rooms have become a place for continuous visitation. “Being plugged in” has become synonymous with opportunity and pleasure. In this environment, virtual sex started to have another meaning in people's lives, perhaps even occupying more time than in real sexual relations, in which there is physical contact between partners and more intense sensory exchanges. From a technical point of view, the virtual sexual act is still a solitary pleasure, very close to masturbation.

 

AND THE PLEASURE, IS IT REAL?

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Basically, virtual sexual experiences can happen through a fantasy or story created by the people involved. In this case, virtual sex occurs from the narrative of people's imagination and can end with solitary pleasure, very close to masturbation. After all, it is done by stimuli of the imaginary, in which the person thinks of someone within a sensual situation.

 

In turn, there are reports of practitioners of this sexual modality that also indicate the description of experiences lived in reality, with information about the person's intimacy - how to undress, how to bathe or how to lie down, for example - or about an experienced fact, as a different or unusual sexual relationship, always loaded with a certain dose of fantasy. This case is already closer to voyeurism, as an imaginative observation.

 

There is also the possibility of practicing virtual sex with the description of the real situation, present. In this modality, the practitioners use not only the keyboard, but the vision, through direct observation of the partner through a small camera (webcam) and auditory resources, such as microphones and headphones, very common in the mediating computers of the act. In general, supporters of this modality suggest actions or invite the partner to show what they would like to see or say what they would like to hear, in order to satisfy their sexual appetites. In this case, masturbation is online and can be exchanged visually and aurally with the partner.

 

In all of the above ways, the elements and scenarios created are usually told verbally, viewed and heard, or even typed with refinement of details - which makes them more seductive and engaging. This even explains the emergence of a new market and service that has emerged, as the most innovative and modern version of prostitution: paid virtual sex.

 

We must also not forget that the erotic side of virtual sex, much reinforced by the possibility of visual exposure, has attracted individuals with not so beneficial and sometimes even criminal intentions, generating a potential risk of enticement and involvement in unethical or healthy practices. .

 

So, if on the one hand this posture can be a complementary factor to add positive stimuli to the relationship with the real partner, such as the search for more emotion in order to help spice up the relationship, on the other hand it can cause discomfort and even suffering, if you run away to control.

 

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VIRTUAL SEX

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Recently, research by Harvard University in the United States analyzed the effects that access to social networks has on the human brain. The study concluded that the pleasant experiences that Internet users have when browsing these sites can raise the level of oxytocin, on average, by up to 45%. Oxytocin is produced by the brain in situations of intimacy and closeness, such as hugging and exchanging affection, which is why it is commonly called the “substance of love”. This hormone is responsible for pleasure and makes people feel relaxed, cozy and loved. Therefore, the level of this hormone in the body can influence mood and even decision making.

 

The research also points out that the power of the internet to activate the production of oxytocin in the brain has a good side, because as it is related to sexual patterns, it facilitates positive interactions, causes the sensation of pleasure and can even help a shy person to feel more outgoing. However, it can become harmful when used in excess in so-called social media networks, and can reinforce the isolation of those people with difficulties in adapting to real social life.

 

Therefore, virtual sex can be considered a good option when it presents itself as the best opportunity for interaction between people. But like any other activity, it can get out of control and become an addiction: it becomes harmful and begins to interfere in the daily routine, to the point of impairing activities necessary for the person's socializing and well-being.

 

In addition to activating the production of oxytocin, this modality of sexual expression allows partners to release their imagination, which makes many couples nurture this practice as a way to spice up the real relationship. If the distance does not allow meetings all the time, this type of interaction - where additional stimuli hitherto unexplored are experienced - can excite the couple for when the moment comes.

 

If there is no sensory possibility of touch, which is one of the most exciting chapters of sexual practice, there is vision and hearing that sharpen desires and charms. Fantasies are expressed through words and whispers, without the slightest shyness.

 

For many, cybersex is currently considered one of the most free forms of sexual expression. Virtual practice even makes it possible for people to hide their true identity. This freedom allows them to give vent to explicit eroticism, activating their most spicy desires and fantasies. This fact also indicates a possibility for many connoisseurs to be able to satisfy themselves without charge or away from the terrifying anxiety that surrounds sexual performance.

 

From the point of view of sexual health, we remember that virtual sex is one of the rare sexual activities that offer, of course, total protection against sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS, in addition to unwanted pregnancies. It is tranquility like this that attracts more and more fans.

 

Even so, it is worth remembering that we are beings of relationship, that is, we exist in the other and in the relationship we establish with him. Even in anonymity or hidden in charmingly seductive codenames, we run a real risk: to get emotionally and emotionally involved, becoming dependent on our usual virtual partner to fly to the stars. This virtual threat can generate both anticipation and frustration. You have to be prepared!

 

Text originally published by Antonieta Mazon on the website, here