Abstract
Erotic webcam modeling websites (or ‘camsites’) are an increasingly popular form of sextech in which users can pursue both sexual fulfillment and emotional connection. While previous research has explored the impact of similar technologies (e.g., online pornography) as well as transactional sex within partnered relationships, this study seeks to understand how users who access camsites with their in-person romantic partner perceive how camming has affected their overall connection. As part of a broader study of 5,124 participants, a subsample of 312 participants who reported engaging in partnered camsite usage were asked to assess their partnered camming interactions. Overall, a third of participants reported using a camsite with a romantic partner, with 56% using a camsite with their partner multiple times. Motivations were diverse but especially centered on a desire to ‘spice up the relationship’ and to ‘try something new’. Participants largely reported that the experience had a positive or neutral effect on their relationship, with improved sexual communication, greater understanding, or less awkwardness as a byproduct of using a camsite together. By exploring both an emerging sexual technology and a novel context of its use, this study provides necessary insight into how such technologies may shape romantic relationships and offers pathways for enhanced connection, particularly in the context of sexual intimacy.
Romantic relationships are a primary source of emotional support and well-being for adults, often involving sexual intimacy as a fundamental aspect that fosters security, affection, and fulfillment (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Debrot et al., 2017; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Selterman et al., 2019). Where fulfillment is concerned, people often seek out opportunities for self-expansion, including by way of self-improvement, broadening perspectives, and cultivating knowledge. The self-expansion model by Aron and Aron (2006) notes that such behaviors are underlaid with a motivational principle that drive these actions, such as a desire to expand self-efficacy and competence. Importantly, a primary vehicle for self-expansion is through close relationships, with a particular focus on romantic partnerships (Aron et al., 2013). Substantial extant literature demonstrates the benefits of novel experiences for both personal self-expansiveness and in support of overall relationship satisfaction (see Aron et al., 2022 for an updated review); one early 2000s study, for example, demonstrated that perceiving a relationship had less possibility for additional expansion was related to a heightened likelihood for engaging in acts of infidelity (Lewandowski & Ackerman, 2006).
Taken together, engaging in partnered behaviors that enhance sexual intimacy can contribute to both relational well-being and self-expansion for all parties involved, whereas a lack of perceived self-expansion in relationships may prove to be problematic in overall relational satisfaction and stability (Aron et al., 2022; Lewandowski & Ackerman, 2006).
This self-expansion model generates several important questions regarding what forms of partnered activities can be nourishing, particularly in domains that are viewed as individual, such as the use of pornography or using erotic webcam sites together. Although use of online erotic content is typically a solo behavior—particularly for men (Carroll et al., 2017) — some research suggests that partnered use of pornography can produce several positive relationship outcomes, including greater sexual and emotional intimacy (Huntington et al., 2021). Erotic webcam sites, or ‘camsites,’ are digital platforms that expand and enhance the experience of online pornography. These sites (e.g., Chaturbate, LiveJasmin.com) attract upwards of thirty million monthly users and are tailored to the interests of individual clients through live performances featuring camsite models (Lowry, 2016). Beyond fulfilling sexual needs and desires, camsites also offer opportunities for social and emotional connection, as well as avenues for learning about important topics such as the norms associated with sexual consent (Bennett-Brown et al., 2024; Gesselman et al., 2024). However, the experience of using camsites alongside one’s partner has yet to be explored. This study offers insight into how clients use camsites alongside their romantic partners, examining the frequency of this activity, the motivations behind it, the effects on their relationships, and the likelihood of repeating the experience.
Camsites offer a wide array of services, including exotic dance, public masturbation, intimate conversation, and private one-on-one shows between clients and models (i.e., performers; Jones, 2019). Approximately 18% of U.S. adults report having used a camsite, highlighting the widespread engagement with these platforms (Gesselman et al., 2023). Research using a robust sample of over 7,000 participants demonstrated that, among demographic subgroups assessed, people who used camsites were often male and between the ages of eighteen and thirty-nine (Gesselmen et al., 2023). Beyond this, however, existing literature is limited but has documented an array of positive outcomes for clients. For example, a recent exploratory study by Milrod and Monto (2023) found that many clients (64%) reported positive mood effects from camsite use, though a minority experienced negative emotions—in particular, approximately 17% reported anxiety or depression, 17% reported feeling less happy, and 26% reported feeling guilt or shame as a result of camsite use. Other recent survey studies have noted an improvement in clients’ communication skills (Bennett-Brown et al., 2024), comfort discussing their sexual preferences with a partner (Bennett-Brown et al., 2024), feelings about their own bodies (Gesselman et al., 2024), general sexual knowledge (Milrod & Monto, 2025) as well as knowledge of sexual consent (Gesselman et al., 2024). These studies illustrate outcomes that benefit camsite clients and have the potential to positively influence clients’ offline romantic relationships. However, despite this growing body of research, no known studies have focused on clients who use these platforms alongside their romantic partners, nor is there information related to the frequency with which partners use a camsite together or the benefits of such use; the current study aims to address this crucial gap in the literature.
Although academic literature focused on couples’ shared experiences of commercial sex—such as hiring an in-person sex worker or co-engaging with a cam model—is thus far non-existent, exploring sexual novelty or new forms of sexual connection together has been shown to strengthen relationships. Romantic partners who choose to participate together in a threesome, for example, may affirm their connection through this shared extradyadic behavior (Scoats & Anderson, 2019). Relatedly, the potential for couples to enhance their relationship via shared pornography use is particularly well-explored. For instance, Huntington and colleagues (2021) found that couples who viewed pornography together experienced increased relationship and sexual intimacy over time. In cross-sectional research, studies have found that couples who engage in pornography use together often demonstrate more positive outcomes such as increased sexual satisfaction (Rodrigues et al., 2021), more openness and sexual communication (Kohut et al., 2018), and more relationship satisfaction (Willoughby et al., 2021; see Bennett-Brown & Wright, 2022 for additional review). Although camsites offer a different type of sexual novelty and entertainment, couples who use camsites together may experience benefits similar to those who view pornography together because they are sharing a new sexual experience.
Beyond the sexual similarities, camsites differ from more conventional forms of pornography in important ways; most notably through live, interactive performances with models, which create a more dynamic and personalized experience. This type of personalized sexual interaction could enhance the couple’s experience by addressing their specific interests in real-time. Having a person who is not directly associated with your relationship—such as a cam model—may help make the experience less stressful for both partners by facilitating conversation, reducing discomfort, or allowing the model to tailor the performance to suit both partners’ desires. Simultaneously, the absence of familiarity or a prior relationship with the model, combined with the physical distance between the couple and the model may help to reinforce the couple’s commitment to each other, echoing similar strategies by couples engaging in threesomes (Scoats & Anderson, 2019). Utilizing the self-expansion model as a foundation for exploration, investigating how couples navigate these shared experiences on camsites, and what outcomes result from using a camsite together, offers valuable insights into how digital platforms are integrated into modern relationships and how they impact relational well-being. As such, the current exploratory study offers a first look into this phenomenon, guided by the following research questions (RQs): (1) How many participants have used a camsite with their partner, and how often have they done so? (2) What motivated participants to use a camsite with their partner? (3) How did using a camsite with their partner affect their relationship? (4) How likely are participants to use a camsite with their partner again in the future?
Method
Data collection
Data were collected from participants on LiveJasmin.com as part of a larger study assessing how camming relates to social connections, including romantic relationships. Camsite members were recruited through an advertisement displayed at the bottom of their screens that read, “Help science! Take a quick survey about LiveJasmin.” Clicking the banner routed participants to an online Qualtrics survey connected to the Principal Investigator’s university account. Participation was voluntary and self-selected, with no identifying information collected. Because the study was entirely online, participants were not required to be residing in any specific location. Instead of signing an informed consent, participants reviewed a study information sheet and indicated their agreement by clicking to participate or leaving the survey page. All procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board at Indiana University.
Participants
Participant demographics.
Measures
Sociodemographics
Participants reported their age, race/ethnicity, gender and transgender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, and whether they identify as a person with a disability or other chronic condition.
Frequency of using a camsite together
Participants were asked, “How often have you and your romantic partner used cam sites together?” with response options: 1 = Never, 2 = Once or twice, 3 = 3-5 times, 4 = 6-10 times, 5 = 11-20 times, and 6 = More than 20 times.
Motivations of using a camsite together
Participants answered the question, “Why do you and your partner use cam sites together? Select all that apply,” with response options: (1) To spice up your relationship or try something new; (2) To fulfill specific fantasies or desires; (3) To engage in a kink or fetish; (4) Out of curiosity or for entertainment; (5) To get new ideas or learn about sex; (6) To meet like-minded people; (7) To connect with each other on a new level; (8) Another reason not listed.
Effects of using a camsite together on the relationship
Participants responded to, “How has using cam sites together with your partner affected your relationship? Select all that apply.” Response options included: (1) It improved our communication about sex; (2) It helped us understand the other person’s sexual interests; (3) It helped us overcome discomfort or awkwardness around sex; (4) It helped us become emotionally closer; (5) It made me feel more understood by my partner; (6) it enhanced our relationship overall; (7) it had a negative impact on my relationship; and (8) it had no effect on my relationship.
Likelihood of repeating the shared camming experience with partners
Participants were asked, “How likely are you to use cam sites with your romantic partner again in the future?” With the following options: 0 = Unsure, 1 = Very Unlikely, 2 = Somewhat Unlikely, 3 = Somewhat Likely, 4 = Very Likely. For analyses, participants who responded with ‘unsure’ were recoded as missing.
Data analysis plan
This study primarily utilized descriptive statistics to explore the characteristics and behaviors of participants who use camsites with their romantic partners. SPSS v29 and v30 were used for all analyses (IBM Corp, 2022, 2024). We report frequencies and percentages for all variables of interest. Because participants were allowed to skip any question they did not wish to answer, each question contains missing data. We note the amount of missing data for each question below. Descriptive statistics were calculated using the available data, and percentages reflect the number of participants who did not skip the question.
Results
RQ1: How many participants have used a camsite with their partner, and how often have they done so?
Within the sample of 312 participants, nearly two-thirds (64.7%; n = 202) had never used a camsite with a partner; there was no missing data for this survey question. Thus, only 35.2% of the included sample (n = 312; i.e., those who reported that their partner knew about their camsite use), and 2.1% of the total sample (N = 5,124), reported using a camsite with their partner, which suggests this is an uncommon form of romantic partnered activity. Among the 35.3% (n = 110) who had, 43.7% had cammed with their partner once or twice, 20.1% 3 to 5 times, 7.4% 6 to 10 times, 4.5% 11 to 20 times, and 24.7% more than 20 times.
RQ2: What motivated participants to use a camsite with their partner?
Motivations for camming with romantic partners.
Twenty participants selected the option of ‘another reason not listed’. Eighteen participants who selected this option provided reasons for using camsites with their partners. Of those, 6 participants reported using camsites with their partner because their partner was a cam model—suggesting that using camsites together was a way to spend time with their partner—while 6 mentioned motivations including boredom, one or both partners having a disability that potentially impeded in-person sexual behavior, having a bisexual partner and potentially using the site to explore other genders, and assessing if there was a mutual interest or benefit in using camsites together. Six of the remaining responses were not interpretable (e.g., ‘no’, or ‘timing parfait’).
RQ3: How did using a camsite with a partner affect their romantic relationship?
Effects of camming on the romantic relationship.
In addition, 27.1% reported that using a camsite with their romantic partner had no effect on their relationship. Although most reported a positive effect or no effect, 4.7% reported that using a camsite together had a negative impact.
RQ4: How likely are participants to use a camsite with their partner again in the future?
Likelihood of repeating the camming experience.
General discussion
The results of this study provide valuable insight into the novel context of partnered camsite use. Regarding the prevalence and frequency with which participants had used camsites with their romantic partners (RQ1), we found that only 2.1% (n = 312) of the total initial sample (N = 5,124) were romantically partnered and reported having had ever done so. Among our subsample of the 312 participants whose partners were aware of their camming usage, 35% of participants reported having used camsites with their romantic partner. Notably, only 2.1% of the total initial sample (N = 5,124) reported using camsites with their romantic partners. These results suggest that camming with a romantic partner is uncommon and may still be a niche interest in the context of relationship activities. The majority of participants who did engage in this behavior (56%) reported using camsites with their romantic partner multiple times—in fact, one in four participants reported using camsites with their partners more than 20 times. These results suggest that the tendency to use camsites with romantic partners, and the higher-than-average repeated engagement, may indicate that this activity holds some benefits within the context of relationships. These results also map onto the self-expansion model (Aron & Aron, 2006): while expansion doesn’t have to be thrilling to be nourishing to a relationship, the context of using camsites together, even on a repeated basis, may be exciting based on the variability of the cam models and available shows for couples to engage with. This variability may offer couples unique opportunities for shared engagement that can support expansion while tending to relational satisfaction. Nonetheless, further investigation of partnered use of camsites is necessary to further elucidate what specific outcomes are associated with this partnered act.
Motivations for camming with one’s romantic partner (RQ2) were varied but often centered on exploring novelty in their relationship, with 36% reporting a desire to “spice up the relationship” or “try something new,” and 27% to fulfill specific fantasies or desires or to feed their curiosity. Research has demonstrated that engagement with novel activities with one’s romantic partner tends to coincide with higher relational satisfaction, including in the context of electronic and online mediums, such as virtual reality and shared pornography usage (Aron & Aron, 2006; Balzarini et al., 2025). The current study’s findings also align with Aron and Aron’s (2006) self-expansion model, which suggests that self-expansive experiences are often aligned with novel events alongside romantic partners. In other words, these results map onto broader trends in research on relational novelty (e.g, Aron et al., 2000; Carswell & Impett, 2021), suggesting that some couples may turn to using camsites together as a low-stakes way to experiment with new forms of intimacy or sexual exploration and to prioritize self-expansion within the context of partnership (Aron et al., 2013).
In terms of relational outcomes, and echoing trends observed in research on partnered pornograpy use, many participants in our study reported either neutral or positively valenced impacts on their relationships after using a camsite with their partner (RQ3). While over a quarter (27%) noted no effect on their relationship at all, another quarter (24%) noted that the activity enhanced their relationship. In terms of specific benefits, more than one in four reported that using a camsite with their partner improved their communication about sexual topics and helped them to understand their partner’s sexual interests, while nearly one in five reported an increase in their emotional closeness (21%) and feelings of being understood by their partner (18%), as well as reduced awkwardness around sex (15%). These findings suggest that partnered camsite use may provide couples with similar opportunities for positive outcomes that have been observed in prior studies of solo camsite clients (Gesselman et al., 2024), although some couples may experience more subdued or absent impacts. Consistent with the “inclusion-of-other-in-self” principle of the self-expansion model, which suggests that individuals expand the concept of self by incorporating facets of their partner’s perspectives, resources, and experiences (Aron et al., 2022), in viewing one’s partner experiencing and exploring pleasure within this context, individuals may themselves experience this sense of self-expansion, further fostering closeness between both partners.
It is worth noting that only 5% reported a negative impact because of using a camsite with their partner. This, combined with the finding that 64% were at least somewhat likely to want to repeat the shared camming experience (RQ4), suggests that partnered camsite use holds promise as a tool for couples interested in shared sexual exploration, though its benefits may depend on their motivations, comfort, and relational contexts. While the data do not provide clear explanations for these outcomes, it is possible that pre-existing relational issues, discomfort with the medium, miscommunication, or mismatched camsite expectations could contribute to these negative experiences. For example, it is plausible that there was a lack of communication or understanding related to the nature of the site and the types of exchanges that the camsites yield, causing one or both partners to feel uncomfortable. A recent meta-analysis by Mallory (2022) highlights the positive association between effective, sexual communication and both sexual and relationship satisfaction – breakdowns in communication with the implementation of a digital medium (i.e., camsites) and a third party (i.e., a model) may alter the established landscape of sexual communication, placing strain on the other domains of connection and satisfaction therein. Future research could explore these dynamics in greater detail, particularly by adopting a dyadic approach to capture both partners’ perspectives and understand the interplay of individual and relational factors.
Finally, while the current results suggest potential benefits to romantic relationships with the employment of partnered camsite use, it’s important to note that 35.2% of the current subsample (n = 312), and only 2.1% of the original surveyed sample (N = 5,124), reported engaging in the use of camsites with a romantic partner. Thus, these findings may only be applicable to people and partners who are mutually receptive to engagement with camsites or are already utilizing the platforms in their personal lives. The present results should be interpreted with some level of caution, as the present research cannot account for the general population’s perceptions of, and experiences with, camsites. Nonetheless, these results shed light on a subset of couples whose experiences may offer valuable insights into how shared sexual practices can shape both personal and relation well-being in the context of romantic relationships.
Limitations of the study
Despite the novel findings about camming use with a romantic partner in the current research, this work is not without limitations. While camming is a rapidly growing form of digital sex work, partnered use remains less prevalent compared to solo use; the minority of participants (35%) in our sample, and 2.1% in the total sample of over five thousand participants, who had used camming sites with a romantic partner reflects this asymmetry. Additionally, a smaller subset of participants provided detailed feedback on the impact of shared camsite use on their relationship, limiting the nuance of our findings. The current work did not have any a priori hypotheses related to age, nor did the research examine any age-based differences. This decision was made given the largely homogeneous nature of the sample, which limited the utility of demographic predictors for explaining variation in outcomes. Future research should explore the role of age as it relates to the use of camsites in the context of romantic partnerships.
Notably, some of the participants who did provide feedback on their shared camsite use related that they did so because their partners were camsite models. Though their responses did not explicitly detail what platform their partners worked on, these participants represent a minority of camsite users in a general sense, as most users enter the platform without the context of an external romantic relationship. Additionally, the data collected did not include class information such as income, education level, or any measure of socioeconomic status, which is a notable shortcoming of the present research. Future work should endeavor to explore these facets of demographic identities to have a more comprehensive overview of people who use camsites with their romantic partners.
There are also several elements within the study that limit its generalizability. For example, the overrepresentation of White, heterosexual, cisgender men in committed, exclusive relationships may limit the interpretation of these results beyond this demographic. Further, these findings represent the experiences of users of a single camming site; other sites may promote alternative features or appeal to a different user base whose experiences may vary from those surveyed here. We must account for the possibility of self-selection bias, as participation was voluntary. Finally, only one member of the couple—in nearly all cases, the male-identifying partner—was surveyed about their experience camming with their partner. Future research that endeavors to prioritize a dyadic approach should consider centering the unique perspectives of women accessing webcams with their partners.
Conclusion
The present research generated insight into partnered experiences on erotic camsites and demonstrated the following patterns: (1) over one-third (35%) of camsite users reported using camsites with a partner; (2) over half (56%) of camsite users who reported using camsites with partners did so multiple times; (3) motivations were diverse but especially seemed to hinge on a desire to “spice up the relationship” or “try something new”, and (4) only a small minority (5%) reported a negative impact on the relationship as a byproduct of using a camsite with their partner. On the other hand, approximately a quarter of participants reported no effect on their relationship from partnered camming use, while nearly another quarter reported a positive impact on their relationship. Reported benefits included improved communication about sexual topics, and support in understanding their partner’s sexual interests. Comprehensively, these findings suggest that partnered camming use, for many, as a neutral or even positive contribution to a relationship dynamic, often reinforcing intimacy, exploration, and facilitating open communication between partners. Despite relatively limited uptake in the sample, the current data suggest that erotic camsites may serve as a novel avenue for couples to broaden and enhance their personal and shared sense of identity through both sexual connection and dialogue.
Footnotes
Author note
Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Jessica T. Campbell, The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University,
Declaration of conflicting interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The larger study was funded by Byborg Enterprises, the owner of LiveJasmin.com; Byborg Enterprises was not involved in writing, analyses, or publication decisions for this manuscript.
Open research statement
As part of IARR’s encouragement of open research practices, the author(s) have provided the following information: This research was not pre-registered. The data used in the research are available. The data can be obtained by emailing:
