BDSM Online
Can you *really* experience BDSM online?
Social media and online communications have enhanced the ability establish meaningful relationships online, and this includes meaningful BDSM relationships.
But for a long time, there has been a debate about whether these online connections can truly provide an authentic human connection. Of course, face-to-face interactions are better, and faster when it comes to building a genuine relationships, but online communication can be just as effective if given the right conditions.
As technology continues to evolve, we are seeing more evidence that suggests that we can indeed feel real human connection through online communication.
One of the main reasons for this is the widespread use of video chat platforms.
Research has shown that seeing and hearing each other over video chat can be just as effective as in-person communication when it comes to building trust and forming emotional connections.
The subscription sites that I use also provide opportunities for us to connect in a more personal way. With features like voice messaging and the ability to share photos and videos, we can communicate in a way that feels more natural and authentic than traditional text-based messaging.
Some areas of BDSM can only be experienced in person
Hampton, K.N., Rainie, L., Lu, W., Shin, I., & Purcell, K. (2014). Social media and the ‘spiral of silence’.Pew Research Center, 26, 2014.
Kraut, R., Kiesler, S., Boneva, B., Cummings, J., Helgeson, V., & Crawford, A. (2002). Internet paradox revisited. Journal of Social Issues, 58(1), 49-74.
McKenna, K. Y. A., & Bargh, J. A. (2000). Plan 9 from cyberspace: The implications of the internet for personality and social psychology. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 4(1), 57-75.
McMillan, D. W., & Chavis, D. M. (1986). Sense of community: A definition and theory. Journal of community psychology, 14(1), 6-23.
Parks, M. R., & Floyd, K. (1996). Making friends in cyberspace. Journal of Communication, 46(1), 80-97.