Have you ever seen some legendary porn and indulged in extended masturbation without reaching orgasm, slipping into a trancelike condition where you lose sense of time and space? No? Then you haven’t tried gooning.
What is gooning?
Gooning represents an intense form of edging, where you pleasure yourself for hours without achieving climax to attain the “goon state,” a reflective experience akin to meditation. Gooning has surged in popularity online, with a plethora of videos on TikTok and Twitch. According to Sensuali, searches related to gooning have surged by 435 percent, and by 314 percent in the previous year on Google Trends.
Dr. Ty David Lerman, a psychotherapist and certified sex therapist, notes that the term gooning derives from the “Goons” in early Popeye cartoons, recognized for their focus on singular tasks. Contemporary gooners maintain similar concentration on their practice.
The increasing popularity of gooning might be attributed to the humorous and silly facial expressions individuals exhibit while partaking in it. Zachary Zane, author of “Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto” and sex expert for Archer, describes the “goon face” as akin to a state of possession, making it fun to observe.
Though gooning has recently attracted attention, it is not a recent phenomenon. Terms were defined in Urban Dictionary in 2005, and gooning forums on Reddit have existed for at least three years. Lerman observes that gooning has been around for as long as porn has, if not longer. Nowadays, numerous websites, communities, subreddits, and forums are devoted to gooning.
The gooning community offers individuals a chance to connect with others who share an enthusiasm for prolonged masturbation. It’s about the connections fostered along the journey.
How does gooning function? What occurs in the brain and body during the goon state? Can gooning create issues, or should we proceed peacefully?
What is a gooner?
Gooning involves masturbating for lengthy stretches without achieving climax, frequently accompanied by porn and sometimes poppers—a legal substance inhaled for an exhilarating high and heightened pleasure.
The “goon state” resembles subspace in BDSM, where intense sensations transport you to a different mental plane. It feels euphoric due to the release of endorphins such as dopamine, adrenaline, and oxytocin, influencing sensation, pleasure, and self-image.
Lerman, also a hypnotherapist, classifies the goon state as a trance, characterized by focusing attention singularly on one thing while excluding everything else. Trance states manifest in various forms, and gooning represents a specific type paired with physical sensation.
Studies indicate that profound meditative states can be therapeutic and advantageous for mental healing.
Not every gooner is watching intense scenes for emotional recovery, but the psychological benefits add to its appeal—it feels incredible.
The members of the Goon Collective
Who gets involved in gooning? Is it a solitary endeavor, or do groups come together to goon collectively?
Gooning typically occurs as a solo activity with porn, but gooners may engage alone or alongside others, in person or via video.
While it may appear inherently queer for a group of men to masturbate together, Lerman advises against making judgments. Some heterosexual “bate buds” assemble without any sexual interest in each other, merely relishing the company of someone who understands.
Gay men also take part in gooning. Dr. Lee Phillips, a psychotherapist and certified sex therapist, mentions that gooning is prevalent in the gay male community, sometimes featuring “goon parties” where participants edge for extended periods.
Zane adds that gooners may operate solo while seeking community, exchanging porn and stories with others.
Certain gooners possess dedicated “Goon Caves” complete with large screens for porn, sexual enhancements like toys and lube, and all necessities for ideal goon time.
When to assess your gooner behaviors
To goon or not to goon, that is the inquiry. Can these practices become troubling?
Gooning poses a problem only if it adversely affects your life, causing you to disregard responsibilities, social connections, or real-life relationships. If you sustain healthy relationships and responsibilities, there is no issue.
Phillips recommends embracing gooning as a regular kink and refraining from criticism of others.
As with all practices, keep an eye on your habits to ensure gooning doesn’t dominate your life. Use ample lube and enjoy gooning.