Are Porn Games Cheating?
With everything else in the digital world is becoming more popular, it seems only natural that porn games are rising in popularity too. However, it brings up a very real question — are porn games cheating?
Honestly, it's quite a hard question to answer since people have different opinions on what “cheating” or “infidelity” is. Nevertheless, we are going to explore this issue and try to come to some sort of conclusion!
Let's start by taking a look at what we mean by the term “porn games”.
What Are Porn Games?
Put simply, porn (or adult) games are any virtual world where you can experience intimacy, romance, and sexual fantasies. Sometimes, there will be other (non-sexual) aspects to the games such as missions, tasks, and an overall goal that you are trying to achieve. But at some point, nudity and sex (or sexual acts) will happen.
There are plenty of adult games out there. In fact, adding some mods to The Sims 4 could make it more like a porn game. Why? Because sex sells. That's nothing new.
But, it was around 2007 when a game called Second Life became incredibly popular. Here, there was an economy, currency, a load of job opportunities, and amazing socializing opportunities. As you might imagine, there were also opportunities to engage in sexual acts and even form a “partnership” (i.e. a marriage). It seems to be that this marked the rise of the question we're tackling today.
Plenty of people came forward around 2008 saying that their husbands or wives were so busy being flirty, sexual, and romantic with their virtual partners than in their real-word marriage. That can't be a good feeling. But, is it cheating?
Let's find out.
Set Your Boundaries
The majority of couples find it pretty uncomfortable talking about sex. Many people won't even tell their significant other what they like and (maybe more importantly) what they don't like in the bedroom.
Our point is that you need to talk to your partner and figure out your boundaries. Cheating means different things for everyone. So, if you don't tell your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse what you deem to be acceptable or not, they might not think they're doing anything wrong (and vice versa).
Simply ask the question — how do you feel about playing porn games? Would you consider it cheating if I was to play one? All these questions are perfectly fine — and often necessary — to ask! This is the only way to know whether playing adult games is cheating or not.
Although, it's important to mention that you don't have to agree with your partner. It's all about compromise. Once you've talked over your thoughts and feelings regarding porn games, try to come to a resolution that feels alright for both of you. Then, of course, abide by your agreement!
Are You Addicted?
Are you constantly thinking about the virtual world you've found? Are you more likely to choose virtual sex over intimacy with your real-world partner? If this is the case, it's likely that you aren't just playing a game. In other words, the game may have inadvertently allowed you to blur the lines between “real” and “fictional”.
Here, cheating is happening, without a doubt — it's just not physical. Instead, it's emotional cheating which yes, is a very real thing.
Marriages have indeed been broken by porn games (especially virtual reality ones where you are fully immersed in the entire experience, not just watching it).
So, if you find yourself avoiding sex with your partner and thinking that your virtual sex is far better than the connection with your significant other, then this is cheating.
Think It's a Problem? Talk It Out!
The most important part about this is whether or not it is hurting your partner. You can't control how they will feel about your porn game habit. Because of this, the best thing to do is to tackle the issue straight on.
If you're playing the games because something is missing in your real-life relationship, tell them. You need to be respectful but they can't read your mind. They won't know what you like or want in the bedroom if you don't open up.
Yes, it might be awkward. However, you should both approach the subject with a non-judgemental attitude. This way, good things are bound to come from the conversation.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, no one can tell you what to believe. If you don't think playing porn games is cheating, then it isn't. But remember, it isn't just you in a relationship. It takes two to tango as they say.
So, have a conversation with your partner about adult games. They might have the same opinion as you! But even if they don't, you need to take their thoughts into consideration and compromise.
