ABSTRACT

The usage of virtual reality (VR) pornography has risen in recent years. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the steep increase may be driven by an essential difference compared to traditional pornography, namely strong feelings of intimacy and the illusion of interaction with the porn actors. The present study is the first to systematically address this topic in an experimental design. Fifty healthy male participants watched two pornographic films on consecutive days in the laboratory, randomly one in VR and one traditional two-dimensional (2D) film. The perception of 2D and VR pornography was assessed using several self-report measures. Furthermore, the role of the social neuropeptide oxytocin in facilitating intimacy and interaction was studied. In the VR condition, participants felt more desired, more flirted with, more looked into the eyes. They were also more likely to feel connected with the actors and more likely to feel the urge to interact with them. Interestingly, saliva levels of oxytocin were related to the perceived eye-contact with the virtual persons indicating a role for the social neuropeptide in the perception of increased intimacy and interaction in VR. Thus, VR pornography seems to be a powerful tool to elicit the illusion of intimate sexual experiences.

摘要

近年来，虚拟现实（VR）色情内容的使用有所增加。轶事证据表明，与传统色情相比，这种急剧增长可能是由本质上的差异驱动的，即强烈的亲密感和与色情演员互动的错觉。本研究是第一个在实验设计中系统地解决该主题的研究。50 名健康男性参与者连续几天在实验室观看两部色情电影，随机观看一部 VR 电影和一部传统二维 (2D) 电影。使用几种自我报告措施评估了对 2D 和 VR 色情内容的感知。此外，研究了社会神经肽催产素在促进亲密和互动中的作用。在 VR 条件下，参与者感到更渴望、更被调情、更多地注视着眼睛。他们也更有可能感受到与演员的联系，更有可能感受到与他们互动的冲动。有趣的是，唾液中催产素的水平与感知到的与虚拟人的眼神接触有关，这表明社交神经肽在感知 VR 中增加的亲密感和互动中的作用。因此，VR 色情内容似乎是引发亲密性体验错觉的有力工具。