Mobile Phones' Impact On Sexual Relations

from the in-many-different-ways dept

Last year, we wrote about how many people in Germany choose not to turn off their mobile phones during sex (you know, in case something more important happens). A similar study just concluded in the UK found that even more people in the UK feel it’s okay to leave it on while they get it on. Of course, this study also dug deeper into other areas, and discovered that the mobile phone has become an important part of a sexual relationship these days, whether it’s just flirting by phone or, for some, sending sexually explicit text and photos. On the flip side, about one-fifth of those surveyed had sent or received a text message designed to end a relationship. There are also some uses of mobile phones in relationships that may not be quite as obvious — such as the large number of women who use mobile phones to deter men from approaching them. Amusingly, five years ago, we had written about a study saying that men used phones as a mating call, to show off to women. It sounds like there may be some mixed signals between the sexes.


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Comments on “Mobile Phones' Impact On Sexual Relations”

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35 Comments
Mark says:

Hmm....

Let’s be careful about jumping to conclusions. In the old days of landline telephones, I don’t believe most people took the phone off the hook or unplugged it during sex – at least not all the time. So, not turning off a cell phone (basically the same behavior) is not so odd. What would be odd would be people answering the phone / cell phone during sex or, even odder, not answering the landline but answering the cell phone.

moe says:

Nothing to see here ...

As you mentioned in your first article on this in Germany, the question should be, “Do you answer your mobile phone when having sex?” The way mobile phones are made today, the batteries last for days. I never turn my phone off — I’m not accessible 24/7, I just don’t need to turn it off so it never happens. This is equivalent to asking if they disconnect their landline phones from the telephone-jack before having sex.

This isn’t news.

Anonymous Coward says:

Re: Nothing to see here ...

“This is equivalent to asking if they disconnect their landline phones from the telephone-jack before having sex.

This isn’t news.”

YES, actually this is news, because you see, people used to take their phones off the hook to have sex. This another step in the decline of the sensuality of sex. And it IS important that we as a society know the direction our society is heading in.

However, your ignorant post is definitely not worth reading, so you got your own subject right at least.

rahrens says:

phone off

Actually, one thing they should have tried to determine was – how many people didn’t think to turn the phone off cause the phone ended up on the floor with the clothes, and the sex was too good to interrupt?

But I agree with Moe, I never turn mine off except during meetings or in a restaurant with friends. At home, where my wife and I tend to be intimate, the phone often ends up in another room anyway, so, who cares? The answering machine function will catch the call… and if they don’t leave a message, their number’s in the call log.

ibeetle says:

Paris does it.

If you are one of the million or so people who have not downloaded the Paris Hilton sex tape you will see her interrupt her sex romp to take a phone call.

Screw stoping sex to take a call. I think it would be cool to continue to have sex while on the phone.

Now that takes concentration.

Although it would be a bit creepy haveing sex with your partner while talking to your mom.

Lisa says:

The Last Thing

“Amusingly, five years ago, we had written about a study saying that men used phones as a mating call, to show off to women.”

Unfortunately i think this is quite the opposite. Sure I am a nerd and if I see someone with a cool phone I may go up to them, but I believe the majority of women who see men on his phone or texting would look the other way. Guys on phones aren’t that impressive. And who knows that guy just may be on the phone or texting his girl.

moe says:

Some anonymous coware wrote:

“YES, actually this is news, because you see, people used to take their phones off the hook to have sex. This another step in the decline of the sensuality of sex. And it IS important that we as a society know the direction our society is heading in.”

You raise a good point that I hadn’t considered. Of course, your high-school antics at the end of your post add nothing to your point, or the discussion as a whole.

OT: Has Techdirt become just another site for immature teenagers to lash out? Because I weep for society if some of these posts are coming from “adults” (see the 2 responses to my post).

James says:

Re: Re:

“OT: Has Techdirt become just another site for immature teenagers to lash out? Because I weep for society if some of these posts are coming from “adults” (see the 2 responses to my post).”

I agree… I have been disappointed in the childish flaming I have seen on this page. Usually I can read insightful objective responses that actually make me think.

chris (profile) says:

how about mobile phone blunders...

of a sexual nature.

if you dial the wrong number you can always play it off, if you send a dirty text message to the wrong person, that is a little tougher to play off.

before i got a flip phone i was really bad to putting my phone in my pocket unlocked and it would call my wife from time to time… imagine if this happened when you were in the act.

Kai Phillips (user link) says:

I think this article brings a whole new meaning to the term “phone sex.” 😉

Even though this is just one more tool to incorporate into a very physically stimulating moment.. I don’t think that mobile phones REALLY impact sex that much.

I mean, c’mon, if anyone has actually had sex, and if its really THAT good, nothing will deter you from your goal.

Anonymous Coward says:

The point of the article...just maybe?

I have to say, I agree with Moe…

“OT: Has Techdirt become just another site for immature teenagers to lash out? Because I weep for society if some of these posts are coming from “adults” (see the 2 responses to my post).”

Instead of looking at the intent or point of the article most of these responses are crude jokes about sexual preferences and infidelity. And while it may not have been the most in-depth story it truly frightens me that so few people that posted took any meaning other than an excuse to be vulgar. Its possible the writer was trying to point out that most people live such a fast paced lives that contact is needed 24/7. Maybe he was pointing out that the cell phone is now used as a tool for all forms of communication, including sexual. He could have even been trying to comment on how sex is present in society, via advertising, entertainment (TV & movies), and now mobile communication as well. Or as an anonymous coward wrote “another step in the decline of the sensuality of sex”.

And just one more thought, “immature teenagers” moe? True, there are teenagers that are immature, but there are just as many adults that seem to act the same way. It always seems that the words teenager and immature are brought up when people feel others are acting unintelligent or crude. Those behaviors are people issues, not just teenagers.

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