It's the 6th of October which can mean only one thing: it's National Kink Day!
Kink and fetish are terms that have become commonplace in recent years, but you may still be wondering exactly what they are. Well, kink encompasses all "alternative" sexual interests—basically anything outside the 'norm' forms of sexual activity. Of course, what is sexually exciting to one person, may be a total turn off for somebody else, but isn't that the beauty of it; that we're all wonderfully different, in and outside of the bedroom? A fetish is a more specific requirement that is necessary for arousal - it can involve inanimate objects (such as heels), specific materials (such vinyl), or focused on specific body parts (like feet).
A recent study by KinkD (a dating community app for singles and couples who are into BDSM and fetish), set out to discover the top 10 sexual kinks during COVID-19 lockdown. We saw daily pleasantries such as the good ol' pub quiz, PT sessions, and music events move online, and of course, the way we connect with others had to adapt too!
3,495 users on its app took the survey, they were asked about their most-practiced kinky plays out of 18 options. The research makes clear how the kink community is finding ways to adjust to these socially distanced times.
3,495 users on its app took the survey, they were asked about their most-practiced kinky plays out of 18 options. The research makes clear how the kink community is finding ways to adjust to these socially distanced times.
"I'd say, while the coronavirus outbreak has forced everyone to stay at home, on the other hand, it also brings us a new way to enjoy life's simple pleasures through the use of modern technology" - John Martinuk, co-founder of KinkD app.
Interested to find out the top 5 practiced kinks during COVID-19? We thought so!
#1
Perhaps unsurprisingly, virtual sex made it to number one! With many people experiencing living apart from their partner (and still needing to meet their sexual urges), and singles adapting to a new era of online dating (whereby you meet somebody online and aren't able to pop to the local for a "suss" as James Smith puts it).
#2
New to the world of kink? A dom is somebody who prefers to be dominant during sex, and a sub prefers to submit, i.e. to be dominated. It is essentially a form of power play that often, but not always involves sex. When engaging in any form of power play; consent, communication, and safe words are important, and the details discussed beforehand. Always be sure that you're comfortable in any situation - sexual, or otherwise.
#3
Orgasm control can include a variety of sexual activities involving forcing, denying, or postponing orgasm. Edging is a common practice, whereby you purposefully postpone your orgasm to achieve an ecstatic state. You can do this solo or partnered, and it can lead to more intense orgasms that last longer!
#4
Bondage, AKA the sexual practice that involves the tying up or restraining of one partner. Everybody became aware of bondage in the sell-out 50 shades era. You know, the book that made everybody assess their current bedroom adventurous level (and realise it was currently a mere 2/10)? The book that inspired '50 Shades of Grey Bondage Kits', like this one... the book that sold over 125 million copies by 2015 and has been translated into 52 languages? Ooooh yeah, that one!
#5
Nowadays, anal play no longer holds the taboo it once had, which is a wonderful thing. Hello to open-mindedness! Lots of women say experimenting with anal play is a welcome addition to their bedroom repertoire, but some people are just not there yet. This is also totally cool, because after all, you do you! Remember... foreplay is just as important with anal sex as it is with 'regular' sex, and lots of lube is recommended.
