Virtual Sexual Preference Reveals Hidden Aspects of Identity
What is virtual sexual preference? Why do people have it? What are some examples? How does it impact online behavior?
The term "virtual sexual preference" refers to an individual's choice of who they interact with, flirt with, and engage in online sexual activities with on the internet. This includes dating apps, messaging services, social media platforms, video games, chat rooms, forums, blogs, web pages, email, text messages, instant messengers, voice/video calls, and more. It can also include real-life meetups where sexual encounters may occur offline. People can be attracted to individuals based on their physical appearance, personality traits, interests, beliefs, values, experiences, locations, backgrounds, age, race, gender identity, orientation, relationship status, etc. Virtual sexual preference shows how a person prefers to interact sexually and expresses aspects of personal identity that might otherwise remain hidden or repressed.
Researchers have observed that many people prefer virtual partners because they feel comfortable being themselves without judgement, pressure, or obligation. Online dating allows them to explore different possibilities without fear of rejection or embarrassment. They can experiment with fantasies, fetishes, roles, taboos, kinks, and boundaries in a safe space. Some preferences are consistent across multiple platforms while others vary depending on context.
Someone might exclusively date trans women on Tinder but cisgender men on Grindr. Others may exclusively pursue straight-identifying men who live nearby but only gay men from far away. Still, others may switch between these preferences throughout the week or month, trying out new things at different times or places.
Types of Preferences
There are various types of virtual sexual preferences that fall into four categories: location, gender identity, relationship type, and behavior. Location-based preferences involve meeting up in person after connecting online. Gender identity preferences focus on an individual's biological sex, sexual orientation, or gender expression. Relationship type preferences concern whether someone is looking for casual encounters or committed relationships. Behavioral preferences include what kinds of activities the two engage in together (e.g., bondage, BDSM, roleplaying, etc.).
Online behavior also reveals unique characteristics about an individual's identity. People use avatars, aliases, and pseudonyms to create a persona they feel comfortable sharing with others. Their tone, language, jokes, memes, gifs, photos, videos, emojis, hashtags, usernames, bios, profiles, DMs, emails, texts, voice messages, and video chats all communicate their values, beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and desires in ways traditional dating apps don't allow. It's not just about appearances anymore - it's about authenticity and self-expression!
Someone might post about their political views or hobbies in their bio to attract partners who share those interests. They could also send explicit photos to express their attraction or describe themselves as "curvy" instead of fat/thin/athletic because body positivity matters more than physical attributes nowadays.
Impacts on Online Behavior
Virtual sexual preference can affect how people act online by shaping their interactions with potential matches. If someone prefers trans women from a certain city, they may only message them when logged into Tinder. Alternatively, if they exclusively date cis men over 40 living within driving distance, they might search for these individuals on Grindr before committing to meeting up offline. This creates a kind of filter system where certain types of people are excluded automatically based on preferences rather than chance. It also leads to less diversity among partners which reduces opportunities for personal growth and understanding different perspectives. Some researchers suggest that virtual sexual preference reinforces negative stereotypes about race, age, religion, ethnicity, culture, etc., leading to discrimination against minority groups.
Others argue that this allows marginalized communities greater access to relationships and connection without facing harassment or rejection due to appearance/identity factors beyond their control.
Virtual sexual preference is an important part of our digital lives today that reveals hidden aspects of identity. Whether we like it or not, it shapes our behavior online and impacts our ability to connect with diverse partners. By recognizing its significance, we can better understand ourselves and those around us while seeking out the kinds of relationships that bring joy, fulfillment, and pleasure.
How does virtual sexual preference reveal hidden aspects of identity?
Virtual identities allow people to explore their sexual preferences freely and safely without fearing judgment from others. This can help individuals discover new facets of their sexuality that they might not have otherwise explored in real life. It also allows them to express themselves more openly and honestly, which can be empowering and liberating.