ABSTRACT
Imagined interactions (IIs) involve interpersonal contact with another individual within one's mind. Although primary attributes and features of IIs are well-established in the literature, the present study sought to identify which features and functions related to sexual and romantic encounters, particularly with ostensible strangers. As part of a larger study investigating online dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked 315 online daters to describe their IIs with someone they recently matched with on an online dating platform. Through a qualitative coding process, six key themes emerged from their responses: (1) imagined interactions as sexual pleasure and sexual release;(2) imagining plans that lead to sexual interaction;(3) planning for future cybersex;(4) imagining first-date scenarios;(5) compensating for in-person platonic interaction;and (6) the inability to have IIs. Implications for online partners who have not met offline and contributions to the literature on IIs are discussed.
ABSTRACT
Individuals oftentimes turn to interpersonal and mass media content to cope and satisfy their sexual needs in absence of offline interpersonal connection. Online dating platforms enable virtual and physical connections between users. The literature on imagined interactions suggests that people may play out these interpersonal scenarios in their minds;however, it is less clear the role sexually explicit media exposure or mediated interactions may serve in facilitating imagined interactions. We conducted a survey to examine U.S. online daters’ relationship preferences, sexually explicit media consumption practices (pornography and sexting), and imagined interactions with potential mates focusing on three primary functions: catharsis, compensation, and sexual fantasy. Results indicate that participants exclusively seeking casual, short-term relationships via online dating platforms were significantly more likely to view pornographic content online and sext with others compared to those interested in romance. We also found that both forms of sexually explicit media were positively related to experiencing imagined interactions for catharsis and sexual fantasy. Implications for research on imagined interactions and online dating are discussed, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.