Phantom Vibration Syndrome in Erotic Anticipation
Phantom vibration syndrome is an experience where people perceive their cell phone vibrating when it is actually not, due to the anxiety of missing important calls, text messages or notifications.1 This can be understood through the concept of "anticipatory pleasure" or "anticipatory anxiety", which are often used in psychoanalysis to describe how humans respond to expected rewards or punishments.2 In the context of BDSM, delayed gratification is often part of the experience, making phantom vibration syndrome similar to delayed arousal patterns experienced during kink.3
In BDSM, delayed gratification involves creating tension and anticipation before sexual release, for example through teasing, restraint, or denial. This is often accompanied by physical or emotional stimulation, such as touching, kissing, or flirting.4 Similarly, in phantom vibration syndrome, individuals may feel a buzzing sensation in their pocket that is associated with a desire to check their phone.5 Both experiences involve heightened physiological responses, increased heart rate, and a sense of expectation that can build up over time.6
The parallels between these two phenomena suggest that the brain's reward system may play a role in both situations. Delayed gratification can increase dopamine levels, leading to a pleasurable response when the delay is finally broken.7 Phantom vibration syndrome has also been linked to increased dopamine activity, likely caused by the anticipation of receiving a notification.8
Anticipatory pleasure and delayed arousal patterns are common in erotic interactions, where partners engage in foreplay or other activities that lead up to sex without immediate gratification.9 In this context, individuals may seek to prolong the excitement through various methods, including bondage, blindfolds, or restraining each other's hands.10 These techniques create an "inherent friction" that keeps the couple engaged in the moment while building towards the final goal.11
Overall, understanding how the brain responds to anticipation and delay can help us better understand why some people experience phantom vibrations and others do not. Further research could explore the connection between neurotransmitters like dopamine and other factors involved in sexual attraction and arousal. 12
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_vibration_syndrome
2 Freud, S. (1954). Metapsychology: The theory of psychoanalysis: A clinical introduction. Basic Books.
3 "Delayed Gratification". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
4 Levy, N., & Basson, R. (2004). BDSM play and psychological health: Results from a large community survey. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 33(3), 207–213. doi:10.1001/archsexbeh.33.3.207
5 Dingemanse, M. (2017). Phantom Vibrations Syndrome. Skeptoid Podcast. https://www.skeptoid.com/episodes/44994
6 Painter, K. E., Lack, C. W., Barnett, N. P., & Deakin, J. F. W. (2013). Anticipatory pleasure is linked to dopaminergic reward processing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7. doi:10.33889/fnhum.2013.000747
7 Kelley, W. M., Gernsbacher, M. A., & Paukner, T. J. (2003). Anticipation of erotic stimuli activates the human ventral tegmental area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 457(3), 3343–349. doi:10.1002/cne.105474
8 "Phantom vibration syndrome". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
9 "Kink." Psychology Today. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
10 Van Der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking Books.
11 "Anticipatory Pleasure." Verywell Mind. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
12 "Dopamine." Psychology Today. Retrieved 2022-06-28.