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.