Highlights
- Virtual reality (VR) porn offers a realistic and immersive experience.
- Research suggests that VR porn may be useful in sex therapy.
- Since VR porn is more arousing than standard erotic content, some experts worry it may be addictive.
- The use of remote devices that allow for simultaneous sexual contact raises ethical concerns.
- High-quality VR porn has the potential of becoming a sex education tool for adults.
What Is VR Porn?
Virtual reality (VR) porn is a new form of pornography that gives the user a more realistic experience. Thanks to the 180- or 360-degree view, you feel as if you’re there in the room. Some films allow you to “be” the star, because you’re watching erotic scenes through the virtual eyes of the male performer.
Imagine you’re standing upright, wearing your VR headset. You look down, and there she is — a hot actress pleasuring you orally. In some films you take the position of the observer, watching others having sex next to you. That’s the immersive power of virtual reality pornography.
To get that sense of “being there,” you need a VR headset. But even a simple mobile phone will give you some of that 3D view you don’t get when streaming films on your TV.
Types of VR Porn
Many VR films offer an interactive experience, where you can choose which scenes to watch. For example, when you turn your head to the right, you’ll see people having a threesome, and to your left, there will be an actress doing a striptease.
If you’re hoping for more human interaction, there are cam websites using VR technology as well. In that case, we’re talking more about sex work services, as you’re paying someone to perform for you in real time.
Here’s a short explainer video about virtual reality.
How Does VR Porn Work?
VR porn offers new features in adult entertainment. Here’s what makes it so special:
- New point of view. Thanks to three-dimensional technology, you get to watch the actors or actresses from new angles. Lots of men enjoy POV (point-of-view) movies where the performer is holding the camera, giving viewers a front-row seat for the action. VR porn takes POV to the next level.
- You’re all in. With a VR headset, you’re isolated from the outside world. You only hear the sounds coming from the movie, and you don’t see the room you’re in. This allows you to focus on the action completely.
- You can (almost) feel it. With the use of teledildonics (remote-controlled sex accessories that enable simultaneous stimulation with the person on the other side of the screen), you get closer to a real sexual experience.
VR Porn in Sex Therapy
Many sexologists, myself included, see virtual reality and VR porn as possible tools that can assist us in counseling people with intimate problems. While VR has proven useful in other areas of psychology, for example, in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder or substance abuse, we need more research on its effectiveness for sexual concerns, especially in the specific context of VR porn.
Here’s what we know so far about using VR use in sex therapy:
- VR for psychological ED and premature ejaculation. A small study showed improvement of ED and PE in heterosexual men who received psychotherapy combined with a VR-assisted program.
- VR for sexual aversion. A recent study revealed the potential of using VR erotic content in the context of treating sexual aversion — feelings of fear, disgust, or avoidance when exposed to sexual cues.
- VR for sexual anxiety. Research points out that immersive technologies such as VR may be useful in the treatment of anxiety-based sexual issues, for example, painful intercourse or performance anxiety.
- VR for body image issues. Some people have a hard time enjoying sex because of poor body image. VR-assisted therapy programs have proven helpful in treating eating disorders. Experts think it might be possible to improve people’s self-esteem in the context of sexual performance as well.
- VR for people with disabilities. Watching VR porn, especially with the assistance of teledildonics, can be the chance of fulfilling erotic needs for people unable to have sexual contacts due to a health condition. Moreover, it can be a realistic, remote substitute for a strip club for those with limited mobility.
Is VR Porn Healthy or Harmful?
VR porn, and pornography in general, can help us find more satisfaction in the bedroom, but they are not free from risk.
Can VR Porn Cause Addiction?
Some experts speculate that VR porn may be more addictive than 2D adult content. They argue that the immersive character of virtual reality, and its ability to provide strong stimulation, makes this format more arousing.
At the moment, we don’t have enough data to confirm that theory. It doesn’t mean, however, that VR porn consumption can’t become problematic. If you notice that using adult entertainment is causing problems in your daily life or relationship, talk to a sex therapist who can help you manage compulsive behavior.
Is VR Porn Cheating?
Another concern regarding VR porn, especially live cam shows, is that it’s so realistic that it’s considered infidelity by some. Add to that remote-controlled sex toys, and it’s not surprising that some people feel intimidated when their partner is getting sexual satisfaction this way.
While this issue cannot be resolved through research, as everyone has a different definition of cheating, talk to your partner about using sexual entertainment and agree on what’s acceptable in your relationship.
Ethical Concerns of VR Porn
Could VR porn normalize harmful or exploitative ideas? It’s too early to tell, but conversations are springing up about several potential issues, including:
Unboundedness. The idea of unboundedness in VR — that sense that anything is possible, even the most extreme erotic fantasies. It’s a tricky matter. The law can prohibit certain sexual acts that are harmful or criminal, but what if those same sexual acts are recreated using realistic computer graphics in VR porn? There’s no law for that (at least for now).
Avatars. With advanced image and video manipulation, it’s technically possible to make everyone into a porn character. From celebrities to co-workers, or even a friend’s wife. Should it be allowed, since those people never agreed for their image to be used in such an intimate context?
Teledildonics. The use of actual props with VR also raises some concerns. In synchronous pornography, you may not know who you’re having virtual sex with. That means the camgirl may have been pressured to do virtual sex work.
On a positive note, there are studies showing that people consuming virtual reality develop more empathy toward performers. The lifelike interaction that VR allows (for example, intense eye contact) contributes to a more human experience.
VR Porn as Sex Education for Adults
Can you learn to be a better lover by interacting with VR porn? In some ways, yes. For example, watching this type of film can help you explore new avenues, learn about your preferences, and find out which fantasies excite you.
As a sex counselor, I’d love to see more explicit, educational materials for VR. We could use films with real-life instructions on how to caress your lover and give them more pleasure in the bedroom. Unfortunately, the current selection of films is largely limited to the male perspective and penetrative intercourse. Most films are made for heterosexual viewers, and there’s not much racial diversity.
Tips for Safe Use of VR Porn
As with traditional porn, my advice is not to treat what you see in VR as reality. A typical man doesn’t have an extra large penis, and his erections don’t last for hours. The purpose of erotic entertainment is to help you get aroused and to inspire you. Porn stars aren’t meant to serve as role models (unless they’re in a science-based sex education video, but we still need to wait for these to be made in VR).
Pornography of any kind should not be your only source of sexual fulfillment. Even if you don’t have a partner, alternate between self-pleasuring with and without the use of porn. Let your imagination run free and build up the excitement through your own fantasies.
Stay Up to Date With eDrugstore
Technology is changing our sex lives and relationships. At eDrugstore, we want to keep you up to date with the latest advances and research on sexual health and pleasure.
Our team of licensed physicians is there to provide free telemedical consultations if you’re looking for treatment for intimate concerns such as erectile dysfunction. Learn more here.
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
