I recently spoke to Bobby Box at Elite Daily about a burning question he had — Why do some men prefer porn to sex?

I did my best to try and answer it. Check out our full correspondence below!

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BB: Why do some men prefer porn to sex?

DrCT: Well, there are lots of reasons a person could prefer some form of erotic connection or practice over another. In terms of porn over sex, anything from travel, a hectic daily life schedule (eg very busy, very compressed or strict schedule), wider life circumstances (between relationships/lack of a partner or something), interest in but a lack of access to the type of sex being shown in said porn, emotional issues, physical issues, or just ordinary impulse could cause a person to seek out porn instead of sex with an IRL human.

 

BB: How possible is it that porn and its innovations (VR porn, for example) could one day replace intimacy between two human beings? Is it possible? Why or why not?

DrCT: I actually do not think porn and/or innovations in erotic technology – be it VR, sex robots, or even just sex toys – will ever replace intimacy between human beings. Sexuality and intimacy are far more complex than that.

For people who may need these types of innovations (for example, people who are isolated or dealing with emotional or physical ability issues), these modes of sexual release or expression should not be looked at as necessarily “less ideal” than sexual interactions between IRL humans. All humans have some form of sexuality, and to judge those who may need these types of innovations to engage theirs is fairly short sighted (and also somewhat cruel).

And for those who simply enjoy these types of sexual innovations as novelty or enhancement – well, there’s not any more danger in fully replacing human-to-human interaction than there is with any other type of adult novelty.

If a person craves human intimacy, no form of technology will replace that. Though some people may find these innovations to be novel or fun (and though others may finally find a way to explore their sexuality that works within their personal parameters), these are just another set of sexual consumers – an expansion in the great sex marketplace, if you will. People who want people should not be threatened by innovations. In fact, innovations will simply allow more people to access their sexualities by creating ways of connections that work for expanded needs and diverse desires.

(pictured: stock shot of sex… maybe?)

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Got a sociology question? Need some social justice informed life advice? Contact Dr. Chauntelle right here.

Get Exposure: A Sociologist Explores Sex, Society, and Adult Entertainment on Amazon and CT.com.