There has been an increasing interest in studying the influence of technology on human behavior, particularly in regards to social interaction and relationships. One area that has received significant attention is the use of video-mediated communication platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom for romantic and sexual encounters. These platforms allow individuals to engage in intimate activities without physically being together, but they also create challenges for establishing a sense of connection and trust. One factor that may contribute to this problem is the perception of gaze, which refers to how people perceive each other's facial expressions, body language, and visual cues while communicating through a screen.
According to researchers, self-performance plays a critical role in shaping one's sense of agency during video-mediated interactions. Self-performance involves the conscious effort to present oneself in a particular way to others, often influenced by societal norms, cultural expectations, and personal preferences. It includes behaviors such as dressing appropriately, speaking eloquently, and maintaining eye contact. This performance can impact how individuals feel about themselves and their ability to control the situation.
Perceived gaze refers to the way people interpret the nonverbal cues of their partner(s) during a video call.
If a person feels like their partner is looking at them attentively or interestedly, it can enhance their feeling of sexual agency and desire.
Misinterpreting these cues, such as seeing someone who appears distracted or uninterested, can negatively affect their feelings of empowerment and confidence.
The interplay between self-performance and perceived gaze can have complex effects on an individual's sense of sexual agency. Individuals who focus too much on their own performance may become preoccupied with meeting certain standards and miss important cues from their partners. They may also overestimate their level of sexual attractiveness, leading to disappointment when their partner does not reciprocate. Similarly, those who are hypervigilant about perceiving their partner's visual cues may become anxious or insecure, which can detract from their enjoyment of the encounter.
The study of this topic has implications for both academic researchers and practitioners working with couples in long-distance relationships or online dating. By understanding the role of self-performance and perceived gaze in shaping sexual agency, professionals can help individuals navigate challenges and improve communication skills.
Future studies could explore factors that influence the accuracy of perception and suggest strategies for reducing anxiety and increasing intimacy.
How does the interplay between self-performance and perceived gaze impact the feeling of sexual agency in video-mediated interactions?
Research suggests that self-presentation plays an important role in the perception of sexual agency during video chats. When individuals are aware of their behavior, they may be more likely to feel sexually empowered due to their ability to control their actions (Kosinski et al. , 2016).