Studen Blog

There are one or two baby boomers (who shall remain anonymous) who have experimented extensively with the realms of fantasy that is the World of cyber sex.  One elderly contestant (82 next birthday…) in a cyber sex experiment decided that the sex was actually not worth bothering about but he learned so much about how to use Skype; how to set up a webcam and microphone and how to set up a virus check (hmmm – we asked that one too but don’t worry – he does know the difference between a computer virus and an STD!) that he is going to continue surfing for cyber sex partners to see what else he can – erm – pick up!

Sadly, psychological articles state that cyber sex is escalating amongst over sixties.  Much of the incentive to indulge in cyber sex is put down to baby boomers experiencing a slowdown in their ‘real’ sex lives, so they seek an alternative set of pleasures, spending many hours each week scanning xxx-rated databases and sending speculative and erotic emails to like-minded people located just about everywhere.

Obviously, the attraction of cyber sex is the absolute confidentiality, unless you are a baby boomer silly enough to try cyber sex with a partner who lives in your street!  Worryingly, a large percentage of people who indulge in cyber sex experience depression and anxiety, according to Marcus Squirrell, a doctoral student at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, who states that 35% of the men tested (not women in this case) were “moderately to severely stressed”.  Squirrell also contends that the more online sexual activity indulged in, the deeper the depression – so watch out, baby boomers!

Naturally enough, the age of cyber sex is still in its youth, however old its participants might be.  Psychological articles tell us that the full effects it could have on those who are involved in its fantasies are as yet, therefore, unknown – virtually.  Although the illustrious Mr Squirrell might have thoroughly researched his subject, it is entirely possible that the link between cyber sex and depression will turn out, in time, to carry no more weight than the old adage that masturbation caused blindness – time will tell!

For baby boomers determined to experiment with cyber sex, the ingredients are simply basic computer literacy, a webcam for serious visual participation, a microphone (or speakers if you want to share!) and a good imagination.

Remember to install a class A virus check on your computer if you are going to start browsing fantasy sites and sex chat rooms if you want to make sure your expensive hard drive doesn’t get blown up in the throes of passion and excitement – and take the somewhat obvious precautions of locking the door and making sure your chair is securely anchored!