The research question at hand is whether participation in digital spaces devoted to erotica can lead to the development of detachment, deadening, or distancing from others in real life romantic and/or sexual relationships. While the internet provides an expansive platform for those seeking to explore their sexuality and find like-minded individuals, there are potential risks that may come along with this exploration. Studies have shown that prolonged engagement with online communities can cause people to become desensitized to certain emotions and experiences, resulting in decreased capacity for intimacy and attachment with real-life partners. This paper will investigate these phenomena through exploring the following subtopics:
1) The concept of desensitization - how it occurs and its effects on personal connections;
2) The impact of repeated exposure to erotic material on social and relational skills;
3) Psychological mechanisms underlying changes in intimacy;
4) Long-term outcomes of increased digital engagement;
5) Alternative explanations for observed patterns of behavior.
Desensitization
Desensitization refers to the diminishing of one's ability to feel strong emotional reactions due to prolonged exposure to a stimulus. In this context, desensitization could occur after viewing pornographic media or participating in erotic discussions online. Research has found that over time, some users develop a tolerance for explicit content and need increasingly extreme forms of imagery to elicit arousal (Jenkins, 2016).
Individuals who regularly view pornography may experience decreased satisfaction in their real-life sex lives due to heightened expectations and diminished responsiveness to partners (Wu & Tice, 2018).
Desensitization can lead to reduced empathy towards others and an objectification of sexual encounters, further compromising relationship quality (Bouman, et al., 2017).
Impact on Social and Relational Skills
Continued participation in erotic digital communities can also lead to alterations in social and relational competencies.
Individuals may become accustomed to communicating through brief messages and abbreviated phrases, which can negatively impact interpersonal relationships when applied offline (Agarwal, et al., 2019). Moreover, internet users often adopt personas that are different from their actual selves, leading to dissonance between online and offline identities (Ritter, et al., 2013), and potentially affecting how they interact with romantic partners (Hagerty, 2004). Some research suggests that increased exposure to fantasy and desire in virtual spaces can influence personal preferences and expectations in real life intimacy, potentially resulting in dissatisfaction if these needs cannot be met (Stenfert Klerk & Floyd, 2015).
Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Changes in Intimacy
The psychological mechanisms underlying changes in intimacy could include cognitive processes such as habituation or sensory-specific satiation, which refer to the decreased responsiveness of neural pathways over time due to repeated stimulation (Schacht, 2016).
Dopamine release associated with pornography viewership has been linked to reduced reward value in real-life sexual experiences, potentially leading to desensitization (Gola, et al., 2017). Other factors influencing attachment strategies include differences in social media use patterns, personality traits, and prior relationship history (Turkle, 2015).
Long-Term Outcomes of Increased Digital Engagement
Prolonged engagement in erotic digital communities may lead to reduced satisfaction with real-life relationships, including diminished commitment, communication, and affection (Wu & Tice, 2018). This is because individuals who spend large amounts of time online may become accustomed to a certain level of excitement and novelty that is difficult to replicate offline (Agarwal, et al., 2019), leading them to seek out new partners or activities rather than investing in existing ones.
Those who rely on internet interactions for emotional support are at risk of developing poorer interpersonal skills and less fulfilling connections (Suler, 2004).
Alternative Explanations for Observed Patterns of Behavior
It is also important to consider alternative explanations for observed patterns of behavior.
Some studies have found that individuals who use technology frequently tend to experience increased feelings of loneliness and isolation (Haug & Knafo, 2017), which could contribute to their desire for virtual intimacy. Similarly, individuals with low self-esteem or body image issues may turn to the internet for validation and acceptance (Jarvis, 2016), potentially skewing results related to attachment strategies. Moreover, cultural differences in attitudes towards sex and sexuality can affect responses to online content, making it difficult to generalize find
Can repeated engagement in erotic digital communities contribute to emotional desensitization, altered intimacy capacities, or changes in attachment strategies over time?
There is evidence that suggests that frequent involvement in erotic digital communities may lead to some individuals developing an addiction to pornography. This addiction can cause individuals to become emotionally desensitized to sexual content as they are exposed to it on a regular basis. Additionally, increased exposure to pornographic material can affect intimacy capacities by changing individuals' perceptions of what constitutes normal sexual behavior.