Abstract
This study presents the quantitative results of a web-based survey exploring the experiences of those who seek sex and relationships
in the virtual world of Second Life. The survey gathered data on demographics, relationships, and sexual behaviors from 235 Second Life residents to compare with U.S. General Social Survey data on Internet users and the general population. The Second Life survey also gathered data on interests in and experiences with a number of sexual practices in both offline and online environments.
Comparative analysis found that survey participants were significantly older, more educated, and less religious than a wider
group of Internet users, and in certain age groups were far less likely to be married or have children. Motivations for engaging
in cybersex were presented. Analysis of interest and experience of different sexual practices supported findings by other
researchers that online environments facilitated access, but also indicated that interest in certain sexual practices could
differ between offline and online environments.
in the virtual world of Second Life. The survey gathered data on demographics, relationships, and sexual behaviors from 235 Second Life residents to compare with U.S. General Social Survey data on Internet users and the general population. The Second Life survey also gathered data on interests in and experiences with a number of sexual practices in both offline and online environments.
Comparative analysis found that survey participants were significantly older, more educated, and less religious than a wider
group of Internet users, and in certain age groups were far less likely to be married or have children. Motivations for engaging
in cybersex were presented. Analysis of interest and experience of different sexual practices supported findings by other
researchers that online environments facilitated access, but also indicated that interest in certain sexual practices could
differ between offline and online environments.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-012-9933-7
- Authors
- Ashley John Craft, Department of Politics, Psychology, Sociology and International Studies, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002