Episode 154: Virtual Reality Might Be The Future Of Sex Therapy

The latest evolution in pornography and erotica is virtual reality (VR), which is making adult content increasingly interactive. Most of the buzz about VR erotica involves taking solo masturbation to new heights. However, it can also be an innovative research method! VR is a way of simulating sex in a lab that can create a level of immersion you can’t replicate with 2-D porn. But an even more tantalizing application of VR is in the world of sex therapy. In fact, the future of sex therapy could be all about virtual reality! VR just might be the educational tool we need that also provides a safe space for exploring our sexuality. For today’s show, I am joined once again by Dr. Lori Brotto, a Professor at the University of British Columbia, practicing psychologist, and author of the books Better Sex Through Mindfulness and the all-new Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook. Some of the topics we discuss include: When scientists study sexual arousal, how do they decide what kind of porn or erotic content to show participants? Why might VR offer a more powerful way of studying arousal in a sex lab than traditional 2-D porn? How does VR impact feelings of “presence” and sexual arousal over and above 2-D porn? How might VR erotica be helpful for treating sexual difficulties? And what kinds of difficulties might this technology be helpful for? What is the future of VR in sex research and therapy? Check it out! To learn more about Lori, visit loribrotto.com and brottolab.com, follow @drloribrotto on IG, and be sure to pick up a copy of her latest book, the Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook. Thank you to our sponsors! Give the gift of pleasure with Beducated! They have a whole library of online courses to teach you what you need to know. Treat yourself or a loved one to a subscription this holiday season and get 40% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: http://beducate.me/pd2250-lehmiller Get hard for the holidays with FirmTech! FirmTech’s Performance Ring is designed to boost your sexual stamina and give you harder, longer-lasting erections, while also enhancing pleasure. Their Tech Ring has the added benefit of tracking your erectile health. Visit myfirmtech.com and be sure to use my exclusive discount code Justin20 to save 20% off your purchase.  *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.