Anyone who wants sex? Seeking sex partners on erotic contact websites

While the role of the Internet in dating for sexual reasons has been recognized, the amount of research into partner-seeking activities on sex-oriented contact websites is still limited. This study explores the experiences, thoughts and strategies related to partner-seeking activities on sex-oriented contact websites. A qualitative approach is used to complement and expand upon the existing primarily quantitative literature in this field. An analysis of 17 interviews revealed that sex seekers established various types of sexual contacts, located both in the online and the offline worlds. Although online interactions began with the disclosure of sex-related details, not all sexual contacts established online progressed into offline encounters. Those who had sex with a partner found on a sex-oriented contact website tended to outline the context in advance of the sexual encounter to help keep their behavior sexually disinhibited once offline. The theory of sexual scripts has been used to interpret the extent of sexually disinhibited behavior in online dating for sexual purposes.

Sevcikova, A., & Daneback, K. (2011). Anyone who wants sex? Seeking sex partners on erotic contact websites. Sex and Relationship Therapy, 26, 170-181.