Virtual Bondage, AI power exchange, digital fetishes, and beyond!

While the initials that form the term BDSM are easy to define—Bondage and Discipline/Dominance, and Submission/Sadism and Masochism—the actual concept itself is so incredibly diverse. It covers so many sexual interests that even Wikipedia says that “inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture is usually dependent on self-identification and shared experience.”

In short, if you feel kinky you can be part of the BDSM lifestyle.

At its core, however, BDSM is generally about sexual control: one party relinquishing it, another other assuming it. The roles commonly involved are often referred to as top and bottom—with a switch being those who find pleasure in flipping between the two.

As BDSM can sometimes involve some emotional as well as physical extremes, the BDSM community strives to self-monitor. One of the most common forms of this is the idea that BDSM experiences (or “scenes”) should always strive to be safe (“attempts should be made to identify and prevent risks to health”); sane (“activities should be undertaken in a sane and sensible frame of mind”); and, very importantly, consensual (“all activities should involve the full consent of all parties involved”—using Wikipedia again).

Though the idea of BDSM is traced by some to the works of the Marquis de Sade and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, as well as luminaries like Sigmund Freud, the concept of using the exchange of sexual power for the pleasure of those concerned is clearly deeply rooted in the human psyche.

BDSM, though, has evolved and become much more refined and responsible since those early explorers. Today, a great number of people embrace BDSM not just as an enjoyable activity but as a special, and extremely powerful, form of sexual expression and personal identity. For them, BDSM is not just play but a way of life and even spirituality.

Tying kinksters together

While there is a clear fondness for the aesthetics of the past—play spaces often being fondly called dungeons)—BDSM, like practically every other form of human sexuality, has dramatically benefited from recent technological changes.

For many years the only way anyone could discover the BDSM community was through very specific magazines and underground guidebooks. With the advent of the Internet, though, the power exchange community exploded.

Now there are many BDSM specific dating apps and innumerable sites—one of the most popular being Fetlife—giving people even in the remotest parts of the world an opportunity to connect with, and receive support from, other BDSM community members.

Even more importantly, this new level of interconnectivity means that people interested in the lifestyle can share essential information on how to do BDSM play safely.

Kinky hardware

While still in the early stages of development, another technological breakthrough that could also expand BDSM play potential are recent developments in teledildonics: sex toys linked to each other as well as the Internet.

We’ve seen many new devices become available—such as those from OhMiBod, Lovense, and KIIROO—that are allowing lovers to reach out and virtually touch one another. More than likely this same technology will be embraced by the BDSM community to add an extra dimension to kinky play.

After all, a major component to many people in the BDSM scene is the idea of sexual control—and how better to reward a submissive than by a teledildonic orgasm? Or, if they haven’t deserved such pleasure, why not then deny them access to their favorite sex toy via a biometric password held by their dominant?

VR dungeons

Virtual reality, too, shows great promise in bringing new toys to the BDSM playbag. Many adult entertainment companies have included VR options for their kink customers. One of the, if not the, largest BDSM pornography companies, Kink.com, has already launched a virtual reality version of its popular site [NSFW].

Other companies, like Pornhub, also feature a fetish section of their VR offerings—with many others no doubt arriving soon.

While VR’s power of total immersion lends itself perfectly to sex, it really could be a massive benefit to those interested in BDSM.

For all of today’s growing acceptance of different forms of sexuality, the world of domination and submission, and all the flavors it may involve, is still seen by many to be taboo—both because of personal shame as well as the backward attitudes of far too many healthcare professionals and legislators.

Because of this, VR holds tremendous promise in exposing—and educating—the BDSM curious to the reality of the lifestyle. Reading about a technique is one thing, and a video is another, but VR and its power to place people virtually in the experience, would be the next best thing to a hands-on experience.

Fetishizing Tomorrow

In the meantime, we are fast approaching a time when sexual control of one person by another (consensually, of course) could literally be a hardwired option.

Direct neurostimulation is the implantation of electrodes in a person’s body or brain allowing them, or someone else, to directly trigger an orgasm without genital contact.

It doesn’t take a huge amount of (kinky) imagination to see where this could lead. Dominants could literally have the keys to their submissive’s pleasure, or be able to reward them at any time, any place, with a simple electronic signal.

Additionally, neurostimulation could mean a whole new orchestra of erotic sensations. With digital rewiring of signals, it could be possible for someone to receive unique forms of erotic stimulation from apparently non-erotic behaviors. A submissive, for example, who performs an expected action—say doing the dishes—could receive the reward of an erotic thrill for doing it perfectly.

Then you have bondage. Even though things like rope, leather, and latex restraints will more than likely never go out of style, with direct access to a person’s motor centers it would be possible to restrain someone totally and completely within their own body—with the consent of those involved, of course.

Meanwhile, as advances in artificial intelligence grow, it also could be possible in the future to have a manufactured dominant or submissive: one that would be programmed not just for the greatest pleasure but also for physical and emotional safety.

Right along with safety, sanity, and consensuality, another thing the BDSM community embraces is imagination. And with these new technological playthings, both here now and coming soon, the world of kinky sexual play could become even more powerful—and beautiful.

What arousing dreams may come

And yet the greatest—if all goes well—is yet to come.

While lagging slightly behind gay and transgender rights, and polyamorous relationships, BDSM continues to gain acceptance.

Though there may be trials and tribulations ahead, it is clear that one day being a member of the BDSM community, having power exchange-based sexuality, will not be a cause for social stigma.

In this future world, sex in all its consensual forms will be seen as a wonderful way to celebrate the pleasure of being human—and never with shame or fear.

Image sources: Depositphotos

The post A Great Big Kinky Tomorrow: What BDSM Might Be Like in Years Ahead appeared first on Future of Sex.

Everyday things that might be exotic desires in the years ahead

Human beings, especially when it comes to sex, are pretty odd creatures. Unlike a lot of other species, we are often drawn to both the common and the rare.

It’s like a certain percentage of humanity says, on an unconscious level, I’ve never seen that before… and it really turns me on!

As homo sapiens continue our evolution into homo technologicus, we might one day see the eroticization of what we now consider commonplace. But for citizens of the next century, what we currently regard as banal will be unique and exotic.

So here is a playful look at what our descendants might become—and what they may find daringly, erotically outré.

Fire in the furnace

As the possessor of (sigh) quite a few… shall we say “facial folds,” as well as having the lack of what used to be a long mane of dark hair, it’s alluring to think that as we learn more and more about the physical aging process, that sometime in the, hopefully, near future we’ll see wrinkles and gray hair as being fascinatingly unique.

While there may not be any huge breakthroughs yet, all it takes is a glance at history to see that, as a species, our lifespans are increasing at an incredible rate. Mostly due to better care, diet, education, and exercise, we have gone from a life expectancy of mid 60s (for men) and early 70s (for women) only 50 years ago, to where we are looking at breaking the 100 year mark in only the next generation.

As we push back the human biological clock farther and farther, it’s no great stretch of imagination to envision people being drawn to the rarity of physical old age.

Those with natural signs of it could be the adult entertainment stars of this niche genre—though others may very well cosmetically adopt wrinkles, gray hair, and all the rest the same way people today get breast implants, artificial tans, colored contact lenses, and the like.

And who knows, if a certain erotic writer can hang on long enough, he may very well become an adult entertainment celebrity. A man can dream…

Feed a fever

Just as aging could be on the way out, our general health, as a species, is also improving. Sadly, a lot of this is still mostly only in the domain of so-called first world countries, but let’s stay optimistic that good health will eventually be a global human right.

As disease eventually vanishes—and, again, all it takes is a glance at history to see how fast that is approaching—it also doesn’t take a lot of speculation to see that we may have a whole subculture of illness aficionados.

There are already erotic subcultures around many medical practices. Doctors and nurses can tell you that while for some a visit to hospital is not at the top of many people’s lists, there are many who get a sexual thrill out of it: the caring, the sensations, the smells, the atmosphere, and more.

Eventually, as we get healthier and healthier, and visits to the doctor become rarer and rarer, we will more than likely see more directly erotic sexual vacations to days gone by. Perhaps skilled medical personnel will take care your real role-play medical needs—or maybe even give you a nice erotically charged illness for them to cure.

Everything old is new again

I’ve already chatted about the possibilities of what the genitals of the future may be like, so it’s not a big leap to imagine a possible society where going back to the ways things were, biologically speaking, has a huge erotic allure.

RECOMMENDED READ: Loneliness to Love: Socio-Sexual Robots May Revolutionize Intimacy, Care, and Connection

We’re seeing incredible breakthroughs in cosmetic genital surgery, and now even complete transplants, practically every year. So a ouija board isn’t needed to spell out that the next century is going to have a lot more options when it comes to our sex organs. Very soon our gender vocabulary will have to expand tremendously to encompass all the possibilities medical science will be providing.

Naturally, though, they’ll be a percentage of people who wax nostalgic for bygone eras of genitalia. We already have vintage erotica fans—life before breast implants and the like—so it’s safe to say that we’ll eventually have an expansion of that genre producing pre-upgrade erotica and playmates for those interested in trips down the sexual years.

Your plastic pal

Artificial intelligence isn’t a what if but a when will. More than likely in the next few years we are going to see software getting pretty close to passing the legendary Turing test— where AIs will be almost indistinguishable from humans.

On the hardware side of things we are seeing unbelievable developments in soft robotics and other fields. So much so that we’ll soon have artificial sexual companions within the next few decades—if not sooner.

What our “plastic pals that are fun to be with” (to steal from Douglas Adams) will do to the human erotic landscape is anyone’s guess. But as a robot fetish community is with us today, it doesn’t take a huge amount of speculation to see a world where being artificial is a turn on.

Of course you’ll have many who will fetishize flesh and blood, but for these others the great turn on would be to play at being one of these manufactured beings. Beyond the gynoid fans, many find the idea of serving another sexually a huge erotic thrill. No doubt a lot of people would think the next step of playing as an erotic appliance as not just sexually thrilling but beautifully, mechanically logical.

“When you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away”

As humanity integrates itself more and more with virtual reality—right now via headsets but eventually through more direct means—the definition of what is, and isn’t, real will get fuzzier and fuzzier. Or, to use Philip K Dick’s definition: “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.”

Or, you may say, reality is what doesn’t go away when you unplug. I’ve already chatted a bit about the promise of erotic play using virtual and augmented reality and direct neurostimulation, but without a doubt we are looking at a no-holds-barred future where our sexual imaginations will be totally unfettered within the confines of artificial reality.

You more than likely see where this next fetish is coming from. As we sexually play more and more within our dreamlike virtual worlds, they’ll be many who want to take breaks from the illusionary, the fantastic. Maybe they will be the ones pulling off their headsets for an erotic weekend with physical partners of their choosing—or just themselves, solo. Or perhaps they’ll be get-togethers of people who erotically get off by tossing aside all but the barest of technological needs: tribes of naked people cavorting across the African plains, erotically embracing their flesh-and-blood humanity.

Excitement is forever

All this is guesswork, naturally; some fun what ifs. But one thing we do know for certain is that human beings can be delightfully diverse when it comes to sex. Some may be fine and dandy with what the culture surrounding them considers erotic, but there will always be a lively number of people who find pleasure in all kinds of imaginative and unexpected ways.

Let’s just hope that we achieve sexual enlightenment to go with our technological wonders—and embrace the lovely maxim of the BDSM/Power Exchange community: that if it is done safely, sanely, and consensually, then have a good time!

Image sources: Depositphotos

The post Next Century Kinks: Exploring Five Possible Future Fetishes appeared first on Future of Sex.

Dressing for pleasure—while saving the planet

Since 2020, Copenhagen Fashion Week, Northern Europe’s largest haute couture celebration, has embraced sustainability by requiring its participants to use Earth-friendly materials in their designs. 

Other events have followed suit, such as New York’s Green Show, which is all about looking good while being environmentally aware. 

With all this in mind, it seems pretty evident that modern designers are becoming not only aware of up-and-coming fashion trends but also supporting the use of next-gen, recycled, and bio-based materials.  

But can this growing movement to create low-impact, recyclable clothing extend to, shall we say, specifically kinky garments?  

Or, to put it another way, will green soon become fetish wear’s new black?

Fetish fashion: what is it, and who wears it?

Financial Express defines fetish fashion and why it seems to be so ever-increasingly popular as: “Anything that adds a sense of sexuality, kinkiness, quirkiness, and representation of freedom can be classified as fetish fashion.”     

Fetish and fashion have been steamy bedfellows for quite some time. In fact, the argument could be made that it and modern designs have always been closely intertwined.

As Financial Express further explained, “After the Met Gala and the VMAs ceremony, it became more prominent. The comeback is proven by the appearance of Kim Kardashian, wrapped from head to toe in a black cotton Balenciaga “T-shirt.”

Alternatives on the horizon

The problem is fetish fashion tends to come with a less-than-earth-friendly price tag. For instance, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of kink-community’s most popular materials, is made from non-renewable fossil fuels.

As author and founding director of the Collective Fashion Justice non-profit  Emma Hakansson put it, “While it’s worth being aware that producing some synthetic materials actually has significantly smaller climate and other environmental impacts compared to materials like leather and wool, ‘less bad for the planet’ is not the same as ‘good for the planet.”

Fortunately, there might be some more environmentally sustainable choices on the way, including some postulated by Håkansson herself, who’s consulting on sustainable fashion legislation and working with fashion brands to transition from animal-derived materials towards greener choices.

Håkansson suggests cork, a naturally water-resistant material that, when mixed with cotton, can be dyed and embossed to closely resemble leather, could be a good replacement.

Another possibility is Mirum, which is made from—among other materials—rice hulls, coconut husks, charcoal clay, and plant-based oils and waxes, which can be easily recycled when no longer used.

Latex: best for what ails us?

Another fetish-wear staple is latex. But while it may look and sometimes feel like PVC, it’s not as environmentally harmful.

“Latex has often been related to fetishism, but I think designers are starting to realize (sp) that it’s a natural fabric,” French fashion designer Arthur Avellano told Dezeen, “which makes it very interesting in today’s discussions about ecology and ethical issues.”  

Dawn Mostow of Dawnamatrix Designs agrees, writing, “There are many reasons why latex is an eco-friendly product—at the same time being one of the more popular for fetish wear.”

She continues, saying, “First of all, it’s made from trees, but the trees don’t need to be cut down to cull the substance needed to make latex. Secondly, it is biodegradable. And lastly, latex takes time and skill to render, and that workmanship generally means that the work that goes into making latex garments cuts down on the aspect of rampant commercialism and mass production.”

So, it looks like one of the most popular fetish garment materials might already be an eco-friendly fetish fashion choice. 

Wild for us, smart for the planet

From Elvis Presley wiggling in his Nudie Suit or black leathers— not forgetting his legendary white jumpsuits—to Madonna’s pointy bras and Lady Gaga’s meat dress, the desire to show off has led to fantastic performances, ever more interesting art, and numerous iconic and very arousing fashion moments.

But the best could be yet to come, thanks to how the fetish fashion industry is learning how to make us look fabulous while saving the planet at the same time. 

We might soon see new, fantastically brilliant dyes derived from fruits and plants, ever-more eco-friendly, supple, and strong materials, and even paraben, vegan, and bleach-free detergents to clean our ultra-arousing new garments with.

Best of all, we could live in a world where looking sexy will go hand in hand with ensuring the world we’re living in will be green and beautiful for a very long time.

Image Sources: Photodeposit

The post Kinky and Green: The Rise of Sustainable Fetish Fashion appeared first on Future of Sex.