Virtual sex is defined as a non-penetrative form of sex that utilizes some form of communications equipment such as the computer, phone, web camera or some communication medium such as the Internet or even text messages. The goal of virtual sex is to sexually arouse the participants. It can be between two individuals or amongst a group of people.

Types of Virtual Sex

There are many types of virtual sex that individuals can participate in. While some use common technologies, others may use more obscure methods to sexually arouse others or themselves. Here are just a few of the many types of methods for engaging in virtual sex.

Internet Chat – Many people started using AOL specifically to chat with others in hopes of meeting a friend or even a virtual sex partner. As opposed to Internet chat rooms, which offer a group of people the ability to communicate with everyone at once, private chat rooms allow two or more persons to communicate only with each other. Individuals using these private chat rooms can send sexually explicit chat messages to flirt with and arouse others. Besides chat rooms, standard IM (instant messaging) is also used for virtual sex.

Phone Sex – Phone sex is another common way to engage in virtual sex. While many individuals have engaged in phone sex with a spouse or girl/boyfriend, others use fee-based phone sex services to flirt and engage in sexual conversation. Phone sex is perhaps the most popular method of engaging in virtual sex.Virtual Sex

Webcam – Web cameras are more than just a way to talk with parents or friends from college. They are also one of the most popular ways to participate in virtual sex. Using a webcam, users can become aroused from visual stimuli, audio stimuli, and even communicate through text on a computer screen. Webcams are extremely affordable and use the Internet to communicate. There are even pay webcam sites that allow users to interact with others via webcam. Webcams are extremely popular and many individuals have set up a webcam in their home to stream images of their daily habits, including their sex life. Anyone can log on and view the streaming images. With the advent of YouTube, many individuals have recorded sexually explicit video with their webcam and uploaded it for anyone to view.

Other Forms of Virtual Sex

While most forms of virtual sex rely on visual or audio stimuli, new sexual arousal and masturbation methods have been created. For instance, devices that are connected to a computer via USB and can be controlled remotely from the Internet have been created for masturbation. These devices include USB dildos and USB pocket pussies. These devices can enhance virtual arousal between individuals through tactile sensation. These devices are the first in a possible long line of devices that will simulate the act of intercourse and other types of sex between individuals over communications equipment.

Less popular types of virtual sex include interactive video games and DVDs. In interactive games such as Video Strip Poker, the player must win games in order to remove a piece of clothing. With interactive DVDs, a porn actress can be controlled to engage in sex acts by manipulating the DVD menu or selecting scenes.

Advantages of Virtual Sex

Obviously, one of the many advantages of participating in virtual sex is that it is generally safe. There is absolutely no risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease and no transfer of bodily fluids.

For couples in a relationship who are unable to meet each other in person, virtual sex offers an interesting and exciting way to arouse one another sexually and maintain a sexual bond. It is suggested that the average virtual sex participant is engaging in virtual sex with a romantic partner (e.g. spouse or boy/girlfriend).

Virtual sex is also an easy way to engage in sexual arousal. For those with a busy schedule or those who are too shy to meet others in person, virtual sex is a great way to meet new and interesting people and arouse each other.

Virtual sex is usually very affordable and convenient. Participants do not have to go out on a date or spend a long amount of time with someone in order to engage in virtual sex.

Risks of Virtual Sex

One of the biggest problems with virtual sex is that it can be easy for adults to prey on minors. Child predators are a very real danger, especially on websites with lots of underage traffic. However, for most adults, virtual sex is safe and harmless.

Virtual sex methods such as fee-based phone chat and webcam services can be extremely expensive. It is common to spend $1 or $2 per minute to engage in phone sex or webcam sex.

Virtual sex can be detrimental to some adults by making it easier to have a virtual sex life than to create emotional bonds with people in the real world.