Does Cybersex Produce Oxytocin?

Web Pro News pointed to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald reporting on a study which found that high levels of anxiety and depression among men who frequented sexy sites online. Study author Marcus Squirrell, a doctoral student at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne.

According to the newspaper article,

"We found that 27 per cent of them were moderate to severely depressed on the standard depression scales," Mr. Squirrell said.

"Thirty per cent had high levels of anxiety and 35 per cent were moderately to severely stressed, which is of course extremely high."

The more heavily they engaged in online sexual activity the higher their level of depression and anxiety was, he said.

Jason Lee Miller of Web Pro News raises two interesting questions: First, does cybersex cause depression or are heavy indulgers already depressed and trying to relieve their anxiety or depression? Second,

Something else simulated or cybersex lacks, which deserves more study as to the effect on depression and anxiety, is the release of oxytocin, a hormone released during labor, but also is generated by physical touch as a bonding chemical between mothers and infants during breastfeeding, and also between lovers. 

Actually, it looks like masturbation causes the same oxytocin release as does partner sex, according to a 1999 study.

See my comment on Jason's post for more.

Comments

[R Brown]

Great article. What I wonder is, can watching cute online pupppies raise oxytocin levels? My whole office is addicted to this site: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam. I swear, my heart just melts when I watch these little guys (and I'm a cat person, not a dog lover).

[Susan Kuchinskas]

I would say yes, looking at adorable baby puppies even online could give you an oxytocin buzz. When Paul Zak does his trust studies, the interactions are via computer, not face to face but the oxytocin effect is the same.

Excuse me now, I have to go look at puppies.