Twitter. Facebook. Instagram. SnapChat. The ubiquitous presence of social media has become an integral part of modern communication. Online is where we meet, talk, share, and catch up with those we don’t see enough. But for those who are looking for romance online, getting a little kinky on regular sites can be a bit… awkward. And while you can find fetish and sex-specific enclaves on many social networks, including places like Reddit and Tumblr, today you can also find sites singularly devoted to things like kink, BDSM, fetish, and making in-person connections with like-minded people.
Sites like FetLife, Kinky, and Fetster are sexy, fetish-driven, and completely different than social media sites like Twitter or Facebook. Exploring them for the first time, you’ll see that for the most part, these types of sites put a large focus on community building, local social events, and creating a diverse, non-judgmental space for people to explore their desires and sexuality.
Looking to explore the kinky social sphere for the first time? Here’s a rundown of the basic dos and don’ts for maximum satisfaction with minimal intimidation.
Do Stay Discrete
Whether you’re new to the scene in general or just to online kink communities, you should be aware that, like your Facebook posts or tweets, your profile and posts will be available to view by both those in the social media circle and those in real life who search it out. It’s always a good idea to choose a different handle than you normally use, and keep your name and personal info to yourself. However…
Don’t Worry too Much
Worry over being “outed” can hinder your experience, so once you’ve taken some preliminary precautions like setting your photos to only be viewed by approved friends and choosing a handle that doesn’t contain your real name, relax and enjoy yourself.
In the end, kinky social networking is all about trust. Keep to online chat until you find a community that you feel comfortable with, and then let go of the worry. After all, for someone you recognize on a kinky site, they’d have to be there, too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up if Something Bothers You
You’ll find a wide variety of kinks, fetishes, and preferences while exploring the world of sexy social media. If someone is being pushy, asking you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or otherwise making your experience less than pleasant, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Block the person, report their activity, and reach out to trusted friends or ‘guardians’ online. The fetish community is notoriously protective of its own, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find some help when you need it.