Why is masturbation often seen as such a negative thing? It's seen as a dirty horrible thing....

I think that it's been tainted by the negative aspects of its use such that it comes (excuse the pun) with social stigma. When it is a natural and largely private part of your life then it rarely gets any airtime, good or bad. When it becomes a mechanism for predation, a device for invading privacy or threatening decency then it takes on a more sinister and seedy element. It has indeed become those things in many cases. Furthermore, for a lot of online men it becomes their whole personality. It's all they are here for and it's so in your face that it loses any kind of legitimacy.

I'm all for people being open about their sexuality and there is no shame in masturbating but I think it's a subject that doesn't really need or benefit from further discussion. It's been done to death and so it best retains legitimacy and dignity by keeping it largely private. The person who discusses it the least has the appearance of being the most justified and dignified. That's what they internet has done for us, it's made the explicit seem like a threat and that's because it usually is.

Degbeme · 70-79, M

I do it because it`s the only sex I get now. My wife decided she no longer wanted sex and even told me I should masturbate. So I do.

Winston335 · 61-69, M

It’s healthy and enjoyable

WormMan · 56-60, M

Honestly I think its a natural and healthy thing to do as long as you are not injuring yourself doing it. Fingers, hands, toys, anal, nipple etc. what ever helps brings you the most pleasure doesn't matter. I know there is social stigma related to it, most people wont admit to it but its better to release that sexual tension then keeping it bottled up.

1490wayb · 56-60, M

beats spending hundreds dating and it is a mis-match. also safest form of sexual fulfillment. more fun when chatting with another!!

greensnacks · F

Religión and patriarchy

Waveney · M

I would say every single adult has done it at some point in their lives.

Every Single Adult.

So what's the problem?

AdmiralPrune · 46-50, M

Just wash your hands please.

WasEP · 51-55, M

It is a natural instinct in men and women, some more that others and absolutely nothing wrong with doing it for one’s pleasure

KatyO83 · 41-45, F

It is all steeped in historical prejudices.

For a long time women were definitely not expected to do it and even when doctors offered treatment for hysteria the doctor performed the pelvic massage to bring about the relief. Only when a doctor wanted to give his hand a rest did the first vibrator get invented.

I think it's healthy for either sex to masturbate and to use hands,toys,etc as they want to.

pdockal · 56-60, M

Society is too blame for the stigma (religion also but not going to go down that rabbit hole)
BDSM is a whole other topic as you also touched on that

You just be you and I'll be me & hopefully our fun & kinks will align and who cares what others think

Northwest · M

You think this is the case in 2026?

You also may want to do add masturbation as part of sex for a couple, not because one of them could not get the job done?

I get that some people may not want to talk about it, but things have changed.

GinPanda · 26-30, F

It is a healthy normal practice stigmatized still in my circles.

Lackwittyname · 51-55, M

I think masturbation is completely normal and healthy. I guess the stigma maybe comes from religion, or maybe being seen as someone that cannot get another partner, not sure where it comes from.

Teslin · M

Personally, to each their own. But I agree with you comments on how people are raised to think it is bad, evil, wrong.

AngelaR80 · 46-50, F

As others say. Religion and patriarchy are why it's got the stigma it has.

Women shouldn't as they should be happy with what their man gives them. Men shouldn't because they should be good enough lovers to not need any more.

DelightfulyDelectablyDelicious · M