What do people get out of using adult camming sites? A research team at the world-renowned Kinsey Institute is currently exploring this complex question on the famous high-end cam site, LiveJasmin.
Researchers Dr. Amanda Gesselman and Dr. Ellen Kaufman are conducting surveys to examine the experiences of LiveJasmin users. Their initial study focuses on these clients and what they can learn from their interaction with cam models.
This research asks a deep, intriguing question as part of a larger series of studies. While many may primarily seek sexual gratification or emotional connection, do clients inadvertently learn other things that relate to sexuality and intimate relationships on the platform when interacting with its models?
Meet the Researchers
Established in 1947, The Kinsey Institute conducts scientific research and provides evidence-based information on human sexuality, gender/sex, and reproduction. It explores topics through interdisciplinary approaches, such as psychology, biology, and anthropology. Dr. Amanda Gesselman and Dr. Ellen Kaufman are researchers at this prestigious Institute. They bring distinct yet complementary backgrounds to their study of sexuality, relationships, and technology.
Dr. Gesselman, a social development psychologist with expertise in romantic relationships and sexual behavior, emphasizes the importance of technology in shaping modern romantic and sexual dynamics. Her focus is on how online interactions reflect and mold these connections.
Dr. Kaufman, with a Ph.D. in Informatics, examines how computer-mediated communication influences human behavior, particularly in contexts of intimacy and sex work. Her approach is rooted in critical technology studies, which she integrates into examining digital intimacy.
Together, their perspectives enhance their exploration of how camming sites create new forms of connection and learning. Their collaborative work aims to show the nuanced ways technology can impact emotional and sexual experiences.
“With their combined expertise, Drs. Gesselman and Kaufman are ideally positioned to uniquely expand our understanding of technology-mediated intimacy. As well as, the co-influence of cam site interactions on human sexuality and sexual knowledge. This is why le Shaw and Byborg partnered with them and The Kinsey Institute to conduct this research project.” Dr. Simon Dubé, le Shaw Scientific Director.
Why is this Research Important?
Their research is crucial for understanding how digital platforms, particularly those used for adult camming sites, like LiveJasmin, can influence interpersonal relationships and societal perceptions of said relationships.
Dr. Kaufman emphasizes the importance of this research in “decreasing stigma and stigmatization of using these services,” showing the need for a more neutral look to understand their benefits. She sees their work as essential in “knowing as much as possible about how those experiences can vary,” which will only improve public understanding. Thus, potentially changing how these platforms are thought about and used.
Similarly, Dr. Gesselman highlights their mission to challenge stereotypes by demonstrating that “users of these websites could be anyone,” countering misconceptions about who uses these services and why. She hopes their findings will alleviate existing prejudices and show that digital interactions can have profound and diverse impacts on users. For one, these interactions expand beyond sexual gratification to include significant emotional and relational developments.
Their findings will help advocate for a wider understanding of how technology may influence modern intimacy, and vice versa.
Preliminary Findings
Their initial research reveals that interactions on these platforms can be educational. Users report learning about aspects of consent and sexual communication that are often not covered in traditional sex education settings.
Dr. Gesselman notes, “One in three clients reported learning something new from the website that wasn’t necessarily about their own interests,” such as how to sexually interact with someone or how to think about sex with another person.
“Prior to this project, we suspected that cam sites could teach people something about sexuality and themselves. Now we have empirical proof that cam models can teach some clients about women’s sexuality, sexual pleasure, and how to be a better sexual partner. I look forward to having such preliminary findings shared with the public.” Dr. Dubé.
A particularly compelling insight from Drs. Gesselman and Kaufman’s work is the persistent influence these platforms have on user behavior outside of online interactions.
As stated by Dr. Gesselman, “Our research shows that these platforms have impacts beyond just the time spent in the session, some things carry over and influence behaviors, thoughts, and actions.”
Further, the researchers emphasize the inclusive nature of these platforms. Their findings challenge conventional views about the demographics and psychological profiles of camming site users. As stated previously, this contradicts stereotypes about typical clients of adult sites.
These initial findings illustrate some of the potential benefits that adult camming platforms can have on modern relationships and social interactions.
Future Exploration
Drs. Amanda Gesselman and Ellen Kaufman are excited about exploring the integration of advancing technologies into adult camming sites. They want to see how new technological features, especially Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled sex toys, enhance user experiences on these platforms.
They are curious about “how using the website can transfer or influence the use of other technologies” and are eager to study the effects of these innovations on the relationships between clients and cam models. Dr. Gesselman indicates they want to study how these “strengthen or hinder relationships that clients and models have formed.”
The Kinsey Institute’s ongoing research will undoubtedly educate us about the profound effects of these digital platforms on our intimacy and sexuality.
