The term 'ephemeral' refers to things that are transient, temporary, fleeting, or short-lived. Ephemeral sexual interactions refer to brief physical encounters between individuals who may never see each other again. These interactions can take place online, through dating apps, at bars, clubs, parties, or other social events. They can be one-time hookups, no strings attached, friends with benefits, or casual dates. People engage in ephemeral sexual interactions for various reasons such as exploring their sexuality, relieving stress, seeking companionship, or feeling desired.
Ethical self-assessment is the process of evaluating oneself based on moral principles and values. It involves considering how one's actions impact others and making decisions that align with personal beliefs and standards. In the context of ephemeral sexual interactions, people often do not know the other person well enough to evaluate their character and intentions. Therefore, they must rely on their own judgement and intuition to assess whether the interaction is ethical.
Anticipatory pleasure refers to the excitement and anticipation of an upcoming event. In the case of ephemeral sexual encounters, this could mean looking forward to a sexual experience without fully committing to it. People may fantasize about what will happen, plan out the encounter, and imagine possible scenarios. This can heighten arousal and increase desire, leading to a more intense and enjoyable experience.
Relational imagination is the ability to envision different kinds of relationships and understand how they would work out. In the context of ephemeral sexual interactions, people may fantasize about what would happen if they pursued a relationship with the person they just met. They may consider factors like compatibility, commitment level, and compatibility. These imagined scenarios help individuals to make choices that align with their goals and preferences.
Ephemeral sexual interactions can influence ethical self-assessment, anticipatory pleasure, and relational imagination in several ways. People may feel guilty after an unethical encounter, regret not exploring all possibilities before engaging, or question whether they truly want a long-term relationship with someone they barely know. On the other hand, these interactions can also provide an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and experimentation. By reflecting on these experiences and learning from them, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their desires.
To what degree do ephemeral sexual interactions mediate ethical self-assessment, anticipatory pleasure, and relational imagination?
There is evidence that ephemeral sexual interactions can influence people's perception of themselves as moral individuals, their expectations for future pleasure, and their ability to imagine relationships with others. In particular, people who engage in casual sex tend to report higher levels of guilt and shame than those who do not (Kraus et al. , 2017), which may reflect feelings of immorality and transgression.