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Marques JM, Figueiredo CPM, Scanavino MDT. A review of published studies on virtual reality in sexuality research. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:371-386. [PMID: 38705842 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Virtual reality (VR) technology contributes to greater approach of methodological safety to make ecological validity more feasible and a growing interest in sexuality behaviors. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to show VR in the sexuality area by a comprehensive review of outcomes, offer a synthesis of the studies, and make a methodological quality assessment of finding results. A secondary goal was to investigate the effect of immersion on diverse sexual responses outcomes. METHODS We designed a review based on a systematic review strategy describing types of studies, participants, data collection and outcomes; searched in 4 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SciELO), and made a full-text screening process. RESULTS The study found 18 articles that met research criteria synthesized within 3 outcome groups: erection measures, level of immersion, and biomarker studies. Synthesis shows a lack of methodological aspects that impair results, such as description of methods from bias protection, randomization, or concealment. The literature still needs to improve its methodology, even though it already shows relevant data for intervention in sexual dysfunction, forensic psychiatry, sexual attraction, orientation, and use of pornography. CONCLUSION Current methodological issues need better design to highlight relevant issues in sexuality with stronger quality of design, opening boundaries to new diagnostic or interventional technologies to sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Miguel Marques
- Excessive Sexual Drive and Prevention of Negative Outcome Associated to Sexual Behavior Outpatient Unit, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Petrus Monteiro Figueiredo
- Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco D T Scanavino
- Excessive Sexual Drive and Prevention of Negative Outcome Associated to Sexual Behavior Outpatient Unit, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Experimental Pathophysiology Post Graduation Program, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Lafortune D, Dubé S, Lapointe V, Bonneau J, Champoux C, Sigouin N. Virtual Reality Could Help Assess Sexual Aversion Disorder. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:588-602. [PMID: 37556729 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2241860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) may improve our understanding of sexual dysfunctions' manifestations, although research in this area remains limited. This study assessed the potential use of a VR Behavior Avoidance Test (VR-BAT) as a tool for examining the clinical features of Sexual Aversion Disorder (SAD): the experience of fear, disgust, and avoidance when facing sexual cues/contexts. A sample of 55 adults (≥ 18y) with (n = 27) and without SAD (n = 28) completed a self-report measure of sexual avoidance. Their anxiety, disgust, electrodermal activity, heart rate, and visual and behavioral avoidance were then examined during two VR-BATs involving sexual or non-sexual stimuli. Mixed repeated measures ANOVAs, t-tests, and correlational analyses were performed. Results showed that individuals in the SAD group reported greater anxiety and disgust compared to their non-SAD counterparts during the sexual stimuli condition. Sexual avoidance scores were largely positively related to anxiety and disgust during the VR sexual condition, and moderately negatively related to the time spent touching the virtual character's genitals. This study is important given the prevalence of sexual difficulties, such as SAD, and the new research avenues offered by emerging technologies, like VR.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lafortune
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - S Dubé
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University
| | - V Lapointe
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - J Bonneau
- School of Media, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - C Champoux
- School of Media, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - N Sigouin
- School of Media, Université du Québec à Montréal
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3
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Sperber S. Sex robots and virtual reality sex: advantages and challenges. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00766-6. [PMID: 37740025 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00766-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shulamit Sperber
- Reuth TLV, Rehabilitation Hospital, Affiliated with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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4
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Sanders NE, Xie Z, Chen KB. A comparison of the psychological effects of robot motion in physical and virtual environments. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 112:104039. [PMID: 37320910 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A mixed-methods approach was used to assess the fidelity of virtual environments as ergonomic assessment tools for human-robot interaction. Participants performed a visual search task in the physical environment while a nearby collaborative robot repeatedly extended its arm toward them. This scenario was reconstructed in two virtual environments with different levels of graphical detail. Measures of presence, task performance, workload, and anxiety were taken to determine the effect of robot motion in all three environments. Task performance decreased in response to robot motion in the physical environment, while workload and anxiety increased. This simple effect of motion was consistent across environments for measures of task performance and anxiety. However, people performed faster overall in virtual reality, and the effect of motion on workload was greatly reduced in virtual reality. Results in the virtual environments suggest that people were distracted by the sound of the robot, and that presence was affected by manipulations of immersion and coherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Edward Sanders
- Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, United States of America.
| | - Ziyang Xie
- Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, United States of America.
| | - Karen B Chen
- Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, United States of America.
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5
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Suseno B, Hastjarjo TD. The effect of simulated natural environments in virtual reality and 2D video to reduce stress. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1016652. [PMID: 37251017 PMCID: PMC10214952 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1016652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a common problem associated with poor physical and psychological health. Exposure to the natural environment is one method for reducing stress. The real and simulated natural environments have a restorative effect on stress reduction. In contrast to the real environment, simulated natural environments, such as virtual reality and 2D video, provide safer and more controllable exposure. Several studies on the restorative effects of the natural environment in virtual reality and 2D video have been conducted. However, the difference between the two in reducing stress must be clarified. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the simulated natural environments in virtual reality and 2D video and their differences in reducing stress. This study hypothesizes that both simulated natural environments in virtual reality and 2D video can reduce stress, but there is a difference between them in reducing stress. Fifty-three subjects were divided into two experimental groups: 2D video (n = 28) and virtual reality (n = 25). The results indicated that simulated natural environments in virtual reality and 2D video reduced stress. However, there was no difference between the two groups regarding stress reduction.
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6
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Gesselman AN, Kaufman EM, Marcotte AS, Reynolds TA, Garcia JR. Engagement with Emerging Forms of Sextech: Demographic Correlates from a National Sample of Adults in the United States. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:177-189. [PMID: 35104185 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.2007521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Social technology is ever-evolving, and increasingly offers novel domains for sexual experiences. In the current study, we investigated demographic correlates of engagement with emerging forms of sextech, defined here as internet-based applications, platforms, or devices used for sexual pleasure. Our web-based, demographically representative sample included 7,512 American adults aged 18-65 years, with a near-even gender split of men/women and moderate racial diversity (63% White). Participants indicated their engagement with eight forms of sextech, including six emerging forms of sexual technology (visiting erotic camming sites, participating in camming streams, teledildonic use, accessing virtual reality pornography, playing sexually explicit video games, and sexual messaging with chatbots or artificially intelligent entities) as well as two more common domains (online pornography and sexting). Participants who were younger, were men, had higher income, and were sexual minorities reported more frequent engagement with all forms of sextech assessed. Unlike prior work on pornography, religious individuals were more likely to engage with emerging sextech. Beyond online pornography (50%) and sexting (29%), visiting camming sites (18%) and playing sexually explicit video games (13%) were relatively common. Findings may contribute to the destigmatization of sextech engagement and forecast future norms in technologically-facilitated sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen M Kaufman
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University
| | | | - Tania A Reynolds
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico
| | - Justin R Garcia
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University
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7
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Evans L. Virtual Reality Pornography: a Review of Health-Related Opportunities and Challenges. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2023; 15:26-35. [PMID: 36467871 PMCID: PMC9684871 DOI: 10.1007/s11930-022-00352-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Virtual reality (VR) pornography is a relatively new medium for the experience of pornography. In juxtaposition with traditional modes of experiencing pornography, such as two-dimensional (2D) displays, VR promises a new experience of pornography for the user. VR can offer the feeling of 'being there': an increased sense of immersion and presence in a mediated experience thanks to the sensory affordances of the medium. In an effective VR environment, the user is immersed in the experience itself, feeling an embodied presence in the world presented to them and able to interact with the environment and others in the environment in ways that cannot be achieved in other media. In terms of pornography, this is potentially revolutionary. The user can be embodied in one of the performers and experience a unique perspective. Alternatively, there are interfaces that will allow for the performer and viewer to physically interact with one another and experience physical arousal from the actions of the other at a distance. The possibilities of VR pornography are therefore related to the intensity of experience, the changing relationship with the performers and others in pornographic media, and the possibility of new, embodied experiences of arousal utilising networked, embodied technologies. This research review assesses to what extent research on VR pornography has supported these possibilities, affordances, and developments. Recent Findings 23 articles were included in the present review. Findings demonstrate some increases in arousal and empathy in using VR pornography. However, further empirical evidence for these findings is still needed. In addition, teledildonic technology is lacking empirical research and the effects of the use of this technology in conjunction with VR requires research. Summary Collectively, the results underscore the notion that VR improves immersion and presence for subjects, and this can translate to increased sexual desire, empathy for performers in pornography, and sexual anxiety in watching pornography. This is a field in infancy, and the initial results of empirical work suggest that VR can intensify some key aspects of the experience of pornography. Theoretical reflections on VR pornography indicate many areas that require further empirical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leighton Evans
- grid.4827.90000 0001 0658 8800Department of Media and Communication, Digital Technium Building, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP Wales UK
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8
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Sculley J, Watkins CD. The Great Porn Experiment V2.0: Sexual Arousal Reduces the Salience of Familiar Women When Heterosexual Men Judge Their Attractiveness. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3071-3082. [PMID: 35790609 PMCID: PMC9363392 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pornography has become widely accessible in recent years due to its integration with the Internet, generating social scientific and moralistic debate on potential "media effects," given correlations between consumption and various sexual traits and behaviors. One popular public debate (Wilson, 2012) claimed that exposure to Internet pornography has addictive qualities that could impact men's sexual relationships, underpinned by the "Coolidge effect," where males are sexually motivated by the presence of novel mates. As claims about Internet and sexual addictions are scientifically controversial, we provide a direct experimental test of his proposal. Adapting a paradigm used to examine "Coolidge-like" effects in men, we examined the extent to which exposure to images of pornographic actresses altered men's attractiveness ratings of (1) familiar faces/bodies on second viewing and (2) familiar versus novel women's faces/bodies. Independent of slideshow content (pornographic versus clothed versions of same actress), heterosexual men were less attracted to familiar bodies, and homosexual men were less attracted to familiar women (faces and bodies), suggesting that mere visual exposure to attractive women moderated men's preferences. However, consistent with one of our preregistered predictions, heterosexual but not homosexual men's preferences for familiar versus novel women were moderated by slideshow content such that familiar women were less salient on the attractiveness dimension compared to novel women when sexual arousal was greater (pornographic versus clothed slideshows). In sum, our findings demonstrate that visual exposure/sexual arousal moderates attractiveness perceptions, albeit that much greater nuance is required considering earlier claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Sculley
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Sciences, Abertay University, Bell Street, Dundee, DD11HG, UK
| | - Christopher D Watkins
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Sciences, Abertay University, Bell Street, Dundee, DD11HG, UK.
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9
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Dincelli E, Yayla A. Immersive virtual reality in the age of the Metaverse: A hybrid-narrative review based on the technology affordance perspective. JOURNAL OF STRATEGIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsis.2022.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Tan SA, Ng SHL, Hoo JJY, Gan SW, Nainee S, Yap CC, Lee LK, Mohd Zaharim N, Goh YS. The pornography use and its addiction among emerging adults in Malaysia: Perceived realism as a mediator. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268724. [PMID: 35594283 PMCID: PMC9122201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Past studies have demonstrated a link between pornography use and addiction to pornography, the underlying mechanism of the association is still unclear. This study intended to examine the mediating role of perceived realism of pornography in the association between pornography use and addiction among emerging adults in Malaysia. This study recruited 222 self-identified pornography users (M age = 21.05; SD Age = 1.68; 75.1% male respondents) via the purposive sampling method. The correlation results indicated positive associations among pornography use, addiction to pornography, and perceived realism of pornography. Further, the perceived realism of pornography significantly mediated the association between pornography use and addiction to pornography after controlling for gender. Thus, this study has provided a fundamental understanding on the perceived realism role of pornography in explaining the association between its use and addiction. Although it is unlikely to stop illegal pornography use, the results pointed out a need to guide emerging adults in pornography use via media literacy programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Aun Tan
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
- School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Samantha Hui Li Ng
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Ju Yun Hoo
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Su Wan Gan
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Sarvarubini Nainee
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Chin Choo Yap
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Ling Khai Lee
- Department of Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | | | - Yee Shan Goh
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
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11
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Milani S, Jabs F, Brown NB, Zdaniuk B, Kingstone A, Brotto LA. Virtual Reality Erotica: Exploring General Presence, Sexual Presence, Sexual Arousal, and Sexual Desire in Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:565-576. [PMID: 34697691 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) media using a three-dimensional (3D) camera facilitates an immersive experience compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) formats. In this novel study, we used high quality, women-centered erotica and examined whether stimulus modality (VR vs. 2D) and point of view (POV: first-person vs. third-person) impacted women's feelings of sexual presence (activation of sexual response induced by the perception of being present), sexual arousal, and sexual desire (dyadic and solitary). We also investigated the effects of stimulus modality on feelings of general presence (a sense of "being there"). Results from 38 women indicated that with medium to large effects, general presence, sexual presence, and sexual arousal were significantly higher for VR videos relative to 2D videos. Sexual presence was higher for first-person POV depending on the order of film exposure. A general trend toward increasing dyadic sexual desire over the course of the study was observed. No significant differences were observed for solitary sexual desire. These findings support the adaptability of VR media to sex research and show that it can induce feelings of sexual presence and presence more generally. That sexual arousal was positively impacted by VR erotica may have implications for addressing the limitations that accompany other stimulus modalities used to elicit sexual responses in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Milani
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Faith Jabs
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natalie B Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bozena Zdaniuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 6th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Alan Kingstone
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 6th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
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12
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Döring N, Krämer N, Mikhailova V, Brand M, Krüger THC, Vowe G. Sexual Interaction in Digital Contexts and Its Implications for Sexual Health: A Conceptual Analysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:769732. [PMID: 34916999 PMCID: PMC8669394 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.769732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on its prevalence, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms, opportunities and risks of sexual interaction in digital contexts (SIDC) that are related with sexual arousal. While there is a growing body of literature on SIDC, there is also a lack of conceptual clarity and classification. Therefore, based on a conceptual analysis, we propose to distinguish between sexual interaction (1) through, (2) via, and (3) with digital technologies. (1) Sexual interactions through digital technologies are face-to-face sexual interactions that (a) have been started digitally (e.g., people initiating face-to-face sexual encounters through adult dating apps) or (b) are accompanied by digital technology (e.g., couples augmenting their face-to-face sexual encounters through filming themselves during the act and publishing the amateur pornography online). (2) Sexual interactions via digital technology are technology-mediated interpersonal sexual interactions (e.g., via text chat: cybersex; via smartphone: sexting; via webcam: webcam sex/camming). (3) Sexual interactions with digital technology occur when the technology itself has the role of an interaction partner (e.g., sexual interaction with a sex robot or with a media persona in pornography). The three types of SIDC and their respective subtypes are explained and backed up with empirical studies that are grouped according to two major mediators: consent and commerce. Regarding the causes and consequences of the three types of SIDC we suggest a classification that entails biological, psychological, social, economic, and technological factors. Regarding implications of SIDC we suggest to focus on both opportunities and risks for sexual health. The proposed conceptual framework of SIDC is meant to inform future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Döring
- Media Psychology and Media Design, Institute of Media and Communication Science, Department of Economic Sciences and Media, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Nicole Krämer
- Social Psychology: Media and Communication, Department of Computer Science and Applied Cognitive Science, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Mikhailova
- Media Psychology and Media Design, Institute of Media and Communication Science, Department of Economic Sciences and Media, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Matthias Brand
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), Department of Computer Science and Applied Cognitive Science, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Tillmann H C Krüger
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Vowe
- Communication and Media Studies, Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS), Bochum, Germany
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13
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Onderdijk KE, Swarbrick D, Van Kerrebroeck B, Mantei M, Vuoskoski JK, Maes PJ, Leman M. Livestream Experiments: The Role of COVID-19, Agency, Presence, and Social Context in Facilitating Social Connectedness. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647929. [PMID: 34108911 PMCID: PMC8180877 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Musical life became disrupted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many musicians and venues turned to online alternatives, such as livestreaming. In this study, three livestreamed concerts were organized to examine separate, yet interconnected concepts-agency, presence, and social context-to ascertain which components of livestreamed concerts facilitate social connectedness. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling was conducted on 83 complete responses to examine the effects of the manipulations on feelings of social connectedness with the artist and the audience. Results showed that in concert 1, where half of the participants were allowed to vote for the final song to be played, this option did not result in the experience of more agency. Instead, if their preferred song was played (regardless of voting ability) participants experienced greater connectedness to the artist. In concert 2, participants who attended the concert with virtual reality headsets experienced greater feelings of physical presence, as well as greater feelings of connectedness with the artist, than those that viewed a normal YouTube livestream. In concert 3, attendance through Zoom led to greater experience of social presence, but predicted less connectedness with the artist, compared to a normal YouTube livestream. Crucially, a greater negative impact of COVID-19 (e.g., loneliness) predicted feelings of connectedness with the artist, possibly because participants fulfilled their social needs with this parasocial interaction. Examining data from all concerts suggested that physical presence was a predictor of connectedness with both the artist and the audience, while social presence only predicted connectedness with the audience. Correlational analyses revealed that reductions in loneliness and isolation were associated with feelings of shared agency, physical and social presence, and connectedness to the audience. Overall, the findings suggest that in order to reduce feelings of loneliness and increase connectedness, concert organizers and musicians could tune elements of their livestreams to facilitate feelings of physical and social presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E. Onderdijk
- Department of Art, Music and Theatre Sciences, Institute for Psychoacoustics and Electronic Music, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dana Swarbrick
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Musicology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bavo Van Kerrebroeck
- Department of Art, Music and Theatre Sciences, Institute for Psychoacoustics and Electronic Music, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Jonna K. Vuoskoski
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Musicology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pieter-Jan Maes
- Department of Art, Music and Theatre Sciences, Institute for Psychoacoustics and Electronic Music, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Leman
- Department of Art, Music and Theatre Sciences, Institute for Psychoacoustics and Electronic Music, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Dekker A, Wenzlaff F, Biedermann SV, Briken P, Fuss J. VR Porn as "Empathy Machine"? Perception of Self and Others in Virtual Reality Pornography. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:273-278. [PMID: 33345628 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1856316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The usage of virtual reality (VR) pornography has risen in recent years. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the steep increase may be driven by an essential difference compared to traditional pornography, namely strong feelings of intimacy and the illusion of interaction with the porn actors. The present study is the first to systematically address this topic in an experimental design. Fifty healthy male participants watched two pornographic films on consecutive days in the laboratory, randomly one in VR and one traditional two-dimensional (2D) film. The perception of 2D and VR pornography was assessed using several self-report measures. Furthermore, the role of the social neuropeptide oxytocin in facilitating intimacy and interaction was studied. In the VR condition, participants felt more desired, more flirted with, more looked into the eyes. They were also more likely to feel connected with the actors and more likely to feel the urge to interact with them. Interestingly, saliva levels of oxytocin were related to the perceived eye-contact with the virtual persons indicating a role for the social neuropeptide in the perception of increased intimacy and interaction in VR. Thus, VR pornography seems to be a powerful tool to elicit the illusion of intimate sexual experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Dekker
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Frederike Wenzlaff
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Sarah V Biedermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Johannes Fuss
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
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15
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Power J, Waling A. New technologies are changing sex, intimacy and health. HEALTH SOCIOLOGY REVIEW : THE JOURNAL OF THE HEALTH SECTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2020; 29:229-231. [PMID: 33411599 DOI: 10.1080/14461242.2020.1824376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Power
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Waling
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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