Some bators identify as gooners. This is nothing new for guys on BateWorld. There’s plenty of zoned-out, penis-gooning fun splashed across the pages (and video screens!) of our members. The difference between masturbating and gooning is subjective but typically means a commitment to self-pleasure that goes beyond a quick jerk and squirt. For many a gooner, devoting themselves to sexual arousal (often for hours at a time), is the ultimate submission to pleasure—and a driving force.
Dazed magazine’s online platform spoke with self-described gooners about the growing interest in their kink. What, if anything, will change for them as more people start doing it?
Only a few years ago, the term, “gooner,” might have been unfamiliar to a lot of men. Now it’s fairly common to see articles or read opinions on the matter. If you’re a horny bro and part of the BW community, it’s almost impossible to not cross paths with an actual gooner, stroking away on BateWorld’s Vidchat.
Gooning can be described as the fetishization of masturbating with porn and other mood-enhancing items. The goal is to achieve a unique state of sexual ecstasy where nothing else matters. Gooners are known to practice “edging,” which keeps them from cumming. This helps in reaching a meditative, trance-like state that might involve drooling, eyes being crossed, etc. These guys are committed to their bate and often have buddies or form communities that provide support.
Whether he’s watching porn or using his “vivid imagination” — “sucking my friend’s massive cock or worshipping fat slutty asses” — Luca regularly masturbates for hours on end. It’s an escape and a stress release, he says, and can be very relaxing and rejuvenating, especially when combined with a little weed.
Growing interest in the fetish has shown that it’s more than a viral trend that will fade with time. Some bators are even sounding the alarm about what the increased attention might mean for their favorite pastime. Clickbait appears to be increasing, in an attempt to lure readers with salacious headlines or troubling warnings about the dangers of too much penis play.
Is there too much gooning going on? Does it risk becoming “normie-washed” and likely to lose its appeal for gooners who value the unconventional habit? As more and more people learn about the kink, does that have an influence on the public’s perception of people who do it? Internet vernacular arguably plays a role in how people understand what it means to be a gooner. The term, unfortunately, has evolved into becoming an insult (by some) that implies the person is a loser.
Is Gooning Even a Fetish Anymore if Everyone Drools as They Bate to Porn?
Gooning communities on Reddit and FetLife (a social network for the BDSM, Fetish & Kinky Community), have seen a growing audience in recent years. There has also been a proliferation of subgroups for specific interests within the gooner community. Everyone from stoners to furries, queers, and women too, have options available to get their goon on.
While purists might be annoyed with the thought of their fetish going mainstream, some bators get off on the idea of masturbation fever spreading throughout society. They accept that the act of gooning evolves just like sexuality itself. Things begin to take on a life of their own as people let go and explore what feels good.
As I understand it, gooning as a community was exclusively masc-gay until it crossed over with porn addiction fetishism in the late 2000s, most notably on Tumblr. – @gooncultist
I wouldn’t describe it as a single thing anymore; more like various overlapping diasporas which are all pretty queer. The original variant is also very much alive.
It’s possible that an increased interest in kinks and fetishes by the mainstream helps reduce stigma and shame overall. There might also be a risk, however, that we lose some of the nuance that makes gooning so special. The pressure of normalization on fringe acts might ultimately lead to a less-fulfilling experience for everyone.
Plenty of kinks have been normalized in our culture, from BDSM and spanking to foot fetishes and more. There are positive aspects to broadening sexual awareness by introducing people to new fetishes. But there’s also a risk. People may feel pressured to try things without the know-how needed to make them safe experiences. Motivation is important too. Doing something because it’s “trending” is different than being drawn to a kink because the sensation is what feels good.
Gooning is probably a safer fetish to explore than most since it typically involves solo masturbation. There’s the classic (and debunked) argument that masturbation addiction can ruin a person’s life. In reality, the “problems” that people describe with jerking off “too much,” are often poor choices related to the neglect of other obligations in life. There are no addictive properties to gooning or porn itself. This is good news for all the bators out there stroking to hot member pics and videos on BateWorld—talk about boner fuel!
Some masturbators worry about an influx of people who have little regard for established norms in the gooner community. Newbie gooners might bring a misguided sense of what’s appropriate and how to engage with others. Purists warn that the essence of gooning might get lost as more people try to mimic the practice.
There’s also a concern that any increased attention on the goonerverse might cause anti-porn conservatives to get involved. Obscenity laws can be used to shut down sexual expression and may ultimately harm marginalized groups.
Most of the gooners (all men), who were interviewed spoke candidly about their experiences. Their reaction to the gooning boom was generally positive. The hope is that increased exposure will help normalize sex in culture and encourage others to explore their sexuality.
More people also means more perspectives on what gooning has to offer and the many ways one can approach the practice. There is a strong community in gooner culture and it’s a place where people can feel safe to express themselves. Women have also taken an interest in the movement, some calling themselves goonettes.
There are now platforms that provide safe spaces as well as opportunities to share and monetize user content. It seems that one thing everyone can agree on is that masturbating for hours, while using porn and posting content, is a good time. Having fun and pleasuring yourself seems like a basic human need—why not do it as much as possible? It only needs to matter and make a difference for you.
Be sure to check out the story, Gooning: What happens when a fetish goes mainstream? to learn more about what gooners think of their favorite activity getting public attention.
Do you consider yourself a gooner? Drop your thoughts below!
