Smooching Science: VR Kissing As Solace In A Lonely World
14 Aug 2023
The Magic Of Kissing
Ah, the magical act of kissing – it's more than just a romantic gesture. Kissing has fascinated humans for ages, sparking curiosity about its psychological and biological effects. From heart-pounding excitement to a surge of emotions, the simple act of locking lips can trigger a cascade of reactions in our minds and bodies. In this essay, we'll delve into the captivating realm of kissing and uncover the intriguing ways it impacts us, both psychologically and biologically. There's no doubt that kissing is a central part of the human experience. I mean...there's a whole subreddit, Couples Kissing, dedicated to it with some 150.000 members! And, they're active! Apparently, there's an awful lot of opinion about kissing.
The Power of Emotional Connection
Kissing isn't just about physical touch; it's a powerful means of emotional connection. When lips meet, a complex dance of neurotransmitters is set into motion. Dopamine, often dubbed the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, floods the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and reward (Fisher et al., 2003). This surge of dopamine contributes to the euphoric sensation commonly associated with kissing, turning even the most mundane of moments into something extraordinary. But it's not just dopamine at play here. Kissing also stimulates the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone" (Carmichael et al., 2012). Oxytocin is linked to feelings of attachment, trust, and emotional bonding. So, when you're lost in a kiss, you're not just sharing a moment – you're forging a deeper emotional connection with your partner. But, what if you don't have anyone to kiss? We'll be getting to that in a bit and the VR porn solution. But, first let me tell you about an important experience from my own life.
My First Kiss
I remember my first kiss. That's to say, the first kiss that MEANT SOMETHING. You know what I mean! I'm not talking about playing "spin the bottle" during early adolescence. I mean an actual kiss. I was in high school and one of my classmates was driving. She stopped at a red light. It was night time. The sky was like an oil spill dotted with diamonds. And, in the scarlet glow of that red light, I leaned in and kissed her. She looked at me. My heart felt like it was floating up to the night sky. I guess that's the dopamine cascade that Fisher's talking about! The light turned green. I would never be the same. In some ways, I think we're trying to relive that...feeling. That first real kiss. I think some portion of this niche virtual experience is about trying to recapture feelings from the past. There's nothing quite like a virtual Nicole Aniston or Julia Ann leaning and planting those juicy lips on your man mouth.Yes, Naughty America VR does a particularly good job with this.
The Biological Chemistry
Beyond the emotional roller coaster, there's a fascinating biological chemistry behind kissing. The physical act of kissing stimulates the exchange of various biological molecules through saliva. While that might not sound very romantic, it's actually a glimpse into the intricate ways our bodies communicate. Research has shown that a passionate kiss can increase levels of testosterone in males and females, which might contribute to sexual arousal and desire (Gallup et al., 2013). Furthermore, kissing triggers the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, though paradoxically, it often leads to a decrease in perceived stress levels (Hettema et al., 2015). This seemingly contradictory effect highlights the intricate interplay between our emotions and biology.
Kissing and Health Benefits
Surprisingly, the benefits of kissing extend beyond matters of the heart. Kissing has been associated with a range of health benefits. The exchange of saliva during a kiss can stimulate the immune system, potentially leading to increased resistance against certain infections (Hofer et al., 2009). Additionally, the increased heart rate and blood flow during passionate kissing can contribute to improved cardiovascular health. The bottom line is that kissing is good for you. Now, the VR porn kissing experience might not involve "saliva exchange." But, I bet it corresponds with the testosterone and cortisol part. I don't believe a study has been done on that yet. I imagine that even VR kissing carries some of these benefits: it can be very convincing!
Virtual Smooching Conclusion
Kissing, it turns out, is far more than a physical interaction between lips. It's a symphony of chemical reactions, emotional connections, and biological responses that make it an extraordinary experience. From the flood of dopamine that ignites our pleasure centers to the release of oxytocin that deepens emotional bonds, kissing transcends the realm of physicality. So, the next time your lips meet another's, remember that you're not just sharing a kiss – you're engaging in a dance of emotions and biology that's been captivating humans for centuries. And, if you don't have a partner, put on your Quest 2 and kiss Julia Ann instead. Info came from these sources and my personal experience
- Carmichael, M. S., Humbert, R., Dixen, J., Palmisano, G., Greenleaf, W., & Davidson, J. M. (2012). Plasma oxytocin increases in the human sexual response. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 87(5), 1953-1958.
- Fisher, H. E., Aron, A., Mashek, D., Li, H., & Brown, L. L. (2003). Defining the brain systems of lust, romantic attraction, and attachment. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 31(5), 413-419.
- Gallup, G. G., Burch, R. L., & Platek, S. M. (2003). Does semen have antidepressant properties? Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32(5), 389-393.
- Hettema, J. M., Annas, P., Neale, M. C., Kendler, K. S., & Fredrikson, M. (2015). A twin study of the genetics of fear conditioning. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(2), 257-259.